Detroit Zoo says goodbye to one lion, welcomes another

Zoo says goodbye to Binti, hello to newest addition

(Jennifer Harte & Patti Truesdell / Detroit Zoo)

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoo said goodbye to a beloved lion and welcomed another on Monday.

Binti, the first lion cub born at the Detroit Zoo in 40 years, will be moving to another zoo. Detroit Zoo said the move aims to promote the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of lion populations in zoos.

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“Saying goodbye is always bittersweet – especially for an animal that has such a special bond with our animal care staff,” said the zoo. “Though she will be missed at the Detroit Zoo, we’re excited for all that awaits Binti in this next adventure.”

Binti was born on Sept. 10, 2020, to parents Simba and Asha. She had to be hand-raised due to complications during her mother’s labor.

After giving a bittersweet goodbye to Binti, the zoo announced a male lion would be joining Asha and Amirah. More details about the lion are to come—the zoo plans to provide more updates on its social media.


About the Author
Samantha Sayles headshot

Samantha Sayles is an Oakland University alumna who’s been writing Michigan news since 2022. Before joining the ClickOnDetroit team, she wrote stories for WILX in Lansing and WEYI in Flint.

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