On June 14 The Lions of Lake Manyara exhibit opens at the John Ball Zoo.  Here are some fun facts about the one-of-a-kind exhibit.

  • The exhibit features three lions, one male and two females, that came from California zoos.
  • The females eat up to 7 pounds of meat a day and the male up to 11 pounds.
  • The females each weigh around 240 pounds and the male currently weighs 420 pounds.
  • The exhibit sits on one-third acres that were modeled after the African area of Tanzania.

  • Hydroponics are used in artificial trees and rocks to provide heat and cooled areas for the lions.
  • There is a 24 ft. open air viewing tower that allows visitors to get a glimpse of the entire exhibit.
  • The holding building features a “green” roof and skylights to conserve energy and provide natural light in the lions quarters.
  • The exhibit offers an outdoor exercise area for the lions and an off-exhibit yard for when lions need to be seperated (i.e. males from females with cubs)

For more information visit www.johnballzoosociety.org