NEWS: Disney’s Newest Lion Pride Strides onto the Savanna

There’s a new pride on the savanna, sitting atop the highest point, overlooking the lush sun-kissed Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney recently announced that the lions that had been there for years were heading for retirement. Three new lions have joined Kilimanjaro Safaris. Learn more below.

Meet siblings Mshango, Zahara and Neema, three lions bringing their vibrant energy as they join the savanna this week. These young and regal lions are already making their roars heard and showing guests their playful and cub-like spirit on the Kilimanjaro Safaris.

These majestic and curious cats are exploring their new habitat just weeks before The Walt Disney Studios’ newest live action film, Mufasa: The Lion King, will debut on the big screen, sharing the power of nature with millions of viewers around the world. This inspiration will extend beyond the theater, reaching the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and energizing a deeper connection to the wild. The film highlights the importance of preserving the natural habitats that lions, like Mufasa, call home.

As part of Disney’s ongoing conservation efforts and in celebration of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King opening exclusively in theaters on December 20, we’re proud to relaunch the global “Protect the Pride” conservation campaign to support the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and LRF’s partners working across Africa to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050.

Learn more about Disney’s commitment to “Protect the Pride” at Disney.com/MufasaProtectThePride because when we protect lions, we protect the circle of life.

Mshango, Zahara, and Neema represent an important part of the future of the lion population. In time, they could breed with members of another pride as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to ensure the responsible breeding and genetic diversity of animal populations, many of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.

As they make their new home around the kopjes rocks on Kilimanjaro Safaris, we look forward to sharing more of their adventures and their lives on the savanna.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Things You’ll Love About Africa in Animal Kingdom

By Cindy E. Nykamp

It’s no secret that I love Animal Kingdom Park and that I think it should be a stop on everyone’s itinerary (Here’s why). Once inside the park, Africa is by far my favorite section. I could spend hours here (and I have). The theming is everything and more that you expect from Disney! It feels so authentic, and I love it. Here are the five things I love about Africa in Animal Kingdom Park.

5 – Zuri’s Sweets Shop

The sweetest shopping destination at Animal Kingdom is Zuri’s Sweet Shop. If you are looking for some unique and tasty desserts, then you’ll want to stop in for almost 80 products, including Africa-themed cookbooks and housewares. The shop is right behind Mombassa Marketplace and across the street from Harambe Market.

4 – Harambe Market

Harambe Market is a fantastic dining option in the Animal Kingdom and is located in the ever-expanding African Village of Harambe. You’ll get unique bowl options that totally beat your typical theme-park quick service offerings. We love eating here when we want to mix things up!

3 – Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Kilimanjaro Safari exits into Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, where you can explore and interact with many different animals. Follow the trail along winding paths, where you’ll be treated to exotic animals and birds in their natural habitats. The gorilla habitat is my absolute favorite place to visit. First, you find the “family” group. You’ll be treated to three young gorillas. You’ll be treated to many young gorillas who have been born in recent years. It’s such a treat to see these young gorillas close up. Follow the path over the bridge, and you’ll get to observe the “Bachelor group” of five male gorillas. With playful and unique personalities, the gorilla habitat could provide hours of entertainment over and over.

Note: You do not need to ride Kilimanjaro Safari to explore the trail. To go directly to Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, walk past the Safari and Rafiki’s Planet Watch entrance. You’ll be walking against traffic, but don’t worry. The Trail entrance will be ahead on your right.

2- Kilimanjaro Safaris

If you love animals, then a ride on the Safari is a must. The sheer size of Kilimanjaro Safaris is terrific. At roughly 110 acres, the Safari occupies almost the same area as the entire Magic Kingdom Park. That size allows guests a way to observe and interact with animals like never before. We’ve had giraffes come up right to the truck. At the end of the safari, you’ll be treated to a Pride Rock-type habitat with lions. You may not see a lion every time, but it’s a real treat when you do.

Tip: Have your cameras ready by putting them in a “sport” or “action” mode. If you have more controls on your camera, then make sure to choose a high shutter speed since this ride is very bumpy! Click away, and you may find a real winner in the bunch!

1 – Festival of The Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King is hands down the best Disney show. Ever. This is not an opinion; this is a fact. :) The stage production, dancing, and singing inspired a Broadway show, but this one is good enough to be on Broadway. Something about that show makes me cry almost every time we see it. ‘Amazing’ doesn’t begin to describe it. You won’t want to miss this incredible show!