SEATTLE — Two lion sisters have found a new home at Woodland Park Zoo in order to form a new pride with the zoo's sole male lion, the zoo announced Wednesday.
Kamaria and Ilanga, both 2 years old, came to Seattle from a zoo in eastern Idaho.
The sisters were brought to form a new pride with 11-year-old Xerxes, Woodland Park Zoo's only male lion.
The sisters were brought under a breeding recommendation by the African Lion Species Survival Plan, which helps zoos ensure a healthy, self-sustaining population of lions, a press release said.
"We're so excited for the girls to be here because lions are social animals, and Xerxes has been living solo since his former mate Adia passed away earlier this year," said Christine Anne, a lead animal keeper at Woodland Park Zoo. "Kamaria and Ilanga have a ton of energy, so it will be fun to watch Xerxes try to keep up."
The sisters were introduced to Xerxes for the first time this week. The new pride is now able to be visited by the public.
More news from KIRO 7