Abilene’s king and queen are leaving the zoo, according to a media release.
Abilene Zoo announced Tuesday that their African lions Kenya and Dixie will be moving to another zoo.
The lions are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ animal program called the Lion Species Survival Plan which helps protect the future of lions through careful placement in AZA-accredited zoos, the announcement said.
Kenya and Dixie’s last day at Abilene Zoo is Sunday.
After the pair leaves, the zoo will be without lions as they prepare for construction on a new expansion project called “A Bold Adventure.”
The expansion will include a new lion exhibit attached to a two-story cafe where guests can dine and watch the lions, the post said.
The future habitat will also allow Abilene Zoo to expand the pride and participate in long-term lion conservation through breeding, the announcement said.
The lions’ paw print paintings will be available in the zoo gift shop with proceeds benefiting conservation, the announcement said.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene Zoo says goodbye to its lions
Reporting by Lani Sneed, Abilene Reporter-News / Abilene Reporter-News
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