There’s a new pride ruling the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, perched majestically atop the highest vantage point overlooking the lush, sun-drenched Harambe Wildlife Reserve.
Meet Mshango, Zahara, and Neema—three energetic lion siblings bringing their youthful charm and vibrant presence to the reserve. These majestic newcomers have already made their mark, delighting guests with their playful, cub-like antics and resonant roars during the iconic Kilimanjaro Safaris experience.
With their arrival, the savanna has never been more alive, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the regal world of lions.
These majestic and curious cats are exploring their new habitat just weeks before The Walt Disney Studios’ newest live action film, Mufasa: The Lion King, will debut on the big screen, sharing the power of nature with millions of viewers around the world. This inspiration will extend beyond the theater, reaching the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and energizing a deeper connection to the wild. The film highlights the importance of preserving the natural habitats that lions, like Mufasa, call home.
As part of Disney’s ongoing conservation efforts and in celebration of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King opening exclusively in theaters on December 20, we’re proud to relaunch the global “Protect the Pride” conservation campaign to support the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and LRF’s partners working across Africa to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050.
Learn more about Disney’s commitment to “Protect the Pride” at Disney.com/MufasaProtectThePride because when we protect lions, we protect the circle of life.
Mshango, Zahara, and Neema represent an important part of the future of the lion population. In time, they could breed with members of another pride as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to ensure the responsible breeding and genetic diversity of animal populations, many of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.
As they make their new home around the kopjes rocks on Kilimanjaro Safaris, we look forward to sharing more of their adventures and their lives on the savanna.
For the latest updates on the new arrivals and all the animals at Walt Disney World Resort, follow Dr. Mark on Instagram and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page.
