It wasn’t just a great day at the zoo, it was an exciting day! Why? I was able to see and photograph our new lion Slamson II. The lion enclosure had been empty since both lions died; Kamau in June 2023 and Cleo in October 2024. Cleo passed at age 19 and was one of the oldest lions in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African Lion Species Survival Plan population. Slamson II came to the zoo via a partnership with the Sacramento Kings basketball team, whose mascot is a lion called Slamson.

He’s been kept from public view all these months. But, now he’s ready to meet his adoring fans.

Next, I was excited because the Red Pandas were active. Usually, they are sleeping and, if I’m lucky, I get a picture of their face when they lift it. This time I could see their entire body as they walked from tree to tree and feeding area to feeding area. And I’d watch out for their claws!

Oh, then there was the Zebra who, I think, was on a time out. Usually they are just eating. But this one wasn’t.

And the White Rhino was out and eating, which he does most of the day. Also the African Pancake tortoise was eating.

The Orangutans were also eating. They would grab a head of lettuce from a plastic box and start chomping. I’m thinking we arrived during breakfast.

The Cheetahs, having finished their bones, were prowling their enclosure.

One cutie that I was able to photograph through plastic is the small Meercat. Of course we want children to come and enjoy the zoo. But they do leave little hand prints on the plexiglass. This time, I got lucky.

Let’s end this visit with the beautiful Okapi and the Black Crowned Crane. The cranes had been out from public view because of the bird flu. It was good to see this beautiful bird again.

I had a great morning. As you can tell from my images, the sun was harsh and presented some problems. But nothing could dampen my spirits after seeing the new lion and the Red Pandas out and about.

Until next time!

29 thoughts on “A great day at the zoo!”

    1. Thanks Margaret. This small zoo does the best it can; however, it will be moving to much larger quarters where the animals will be in habitats rather than enclosures. It will take about 5 years to build and move the animals.

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  7. The new lion is a handsome fellow indeed! I hope he has a large enclosure – I’m not really a fan of keeping such large animals in a zoo, although I admit I do love to see and photograph them.

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        1. It should take about 5 years to build and move the animals. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the small, intimate zoo we currently have that I can walk through in 1 1/2 hours. The new zoo will take two days to see.

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    1. Thanks, he is still getting used to his enclosure and the public. I was excited to see the Red Pandas walking about and eating. Usually they are asleep. Must be the cooler weather.

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  14. Slamson II is a very beautiful lion. Looks content. Often at a zoo the animals are sleeping or hiding somewhere. It is always nice to see them eating or enjoying some other activity.

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