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Lion cub Bahati celebrates his second birthday at Gera Zoo!
Leipzig Zoo celebrated lion cub Bahati's birthday at Gera Zoo, as keepers show the close bond with the animals.
Lion cub Bahati celebrates his second birthday at Gera Zoo!
On July 5, 2025, Gera Zoo celebrated the second birthday of the lion cub Bahati, who was originally born at Leipzig Zoo. Employees of the Leipzig Zoo also took part in this celebration to honor their former protégé. Bahati moved to Gera in April of this year, where he now lives with the lion sisters Sari and Mali, who also live in the zoo.
Leipzig Zoo has a close bond with its animal residents, and the keepers traveled to Thuringia specifically to celebrate Bahati's special day. The celebrations were documented on the Gera Zoo's Facebook page, where numerous well-wishers shared their wishes and gifts for the young lion
The new situation in Gera Zoo
The lion sisters Sari and Mali are five years old and previously lived with their brother Mufassa, who unfortunately had to be put down due to a tumor. The two sisters are now on their own and get to know Bahati behind bars. Nurse Nils Lange describes that an immediate reunion would be problematic, but the interaction between the three goes well. They often lie together at the gate and react to each other.
The zookeepers observe that Mali acts as the dominant lioness in the hierarchy, while Sari is below her. A full reunion is expected when Mali is in heat, with keepers hopefully anticipating this development in the summer. However, it is important to emphasize that no lion cubs are born in Gera Zoo as Bahati has been sterilized.
Support from Leipzig
Caring for three lions poses new challenges for the zookeepers, as the processes now have to be organized differently. Bahati quickly settled into the new environment and is described as a relaxed and curious lion who observes both the female lions and the keepers. Leipzig Zoo remains closely connected to its colleagues in Gera and supports them during this time.
Bahati's birthday is a beautiful example of the close cooperation between the two zoos and shows the warm connection between the keepers and their animal protégés. Celebrating shared successes significantly strengthens the bond between the facilities and the animals.
For more information about Gera Zoo and Bahati's life, you can read the coverage on thueringen24.de and Visit mdr.de.