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!