Abilene Zoo Welcomes Three New Ferocious Guests

ABILENE, TX -- The Abilene Zoo welcomed three new temporary guests this month.

According to zoo officials, Jabulani, Abagebe, and Saba will spend the next two years in Abilene as the Fort Worth Zoo redesigns the lion habitat.

The male, Jabulani, and two females, Abagebe and Saba, are all nine years old and will be officially on exhibit beginning Friday.

"The zoo is excited to now have four lions, including Botswana, our resident 18-year-old male," said General Curator Denise Ibarra.

Earlier this year the zoo reported the death of their very own Saba, a 16-year-old female.

By making minor modifications to the zoo's original lion and tiger exhibits, construct action workers were able to create a tunnel between the enclosures and expand the space the lions occupy.

"The maintenance team built two-tiered platforms for the lions to climb on and lounge in the sun," said Maintenance Manager Roy Greer. "So far, Botswana has enjoyed the view. We hope the new lions will as well."

"These modifications are a temporary solution, but in the future, we hope that with the community's support, we can build a new lion habitat," stated Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum. "Bringing these lions from Fort Worth will allow the citizens of Abilene to envision having our own large Pride once again."

"These modifications are a temporary solution, but in the future, we hope that with the community's support, we can build a new lion habitat," stated Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum. "Bringing these lions from Fort Worth will allow the citizens of Abilene to envision having our own large Pride once again."