Zoo Atlanta Revamps African Lion Complex: New Viewing Areas and Expanded Habitat Enhance the Experience for Hondo, Hatari, and Azizi

(IN SHORT) Zoo Atlanta has unveiled a newly renovated African lion complex as part of a $3 million, six-month project designed to enhance the habitat for its lion coalition—Hondo, Hatari, and Azizi. The upgraded complex offers an additional 1,500 square feet of space and features three distinct viewing areas, including an expansive observation deck with seating and a new in-habitat pool. This initiative, which ties into the broader redevelopment of the Zoo’s African Savanna zone, ensures a richer visitor experience while advancing animal wellbeing. The project underscores Zoo Atlanta’s commitment to continuous improvement and conservation, particularly as African lions face rising threats in the wild.

(PRESS RELEASE) ATLANTA, 2025-Apr-9 — /Travel PR News/ — Zoo Atlanta proudly reopens its newly renovated African lion complex just in time for spring, offering a refreshed habitat and a richer experience for Members and visitors alike. The six-month, $3 million project has enhanced the complex to better serve the famed lion coalition of Hondo, Hatari, and Azizi. With an additional 1,500 square feet of habitat space, the upgraded area now features three distinct viewing zones. Highlights include an expansive observation deck complete with comfortable seating, ensuring panoramic views of the lions at play, and a new in-habitat pool that adds a dynamic element to the exhibit.

“We are thrilled to welcome our Members and guests back to witness the transformation of this iconic area,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “Every year, we reimagine our spaces to boost animal wellbeing and to offer visitors an ever-evolving experience. We believe that few will recognize this completely renewed habitat as part of our Zoo from before.”

African lions Hondo, Hatari, and Azizi are 11-year-old siblings born here at Zoo Atlanta, proudly forming a natural coalition as recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan®. Known for their resounding roars that echo beyond the Zoo’s boundaries, these majestic animals enjoyed uninterrupted access to both indoor and outdoor areas during the renovation.

This revitalized lion habitat forms an integral part of Zoo Atlanta’s expansive African Savanna zone, which has seen significant updates over the last five years. The Savanna now also includes redesigned and expanded habitats for African elephants such as Kelly, Tara, Msholo, and newcomer Titan; a mixed-species enclosure for giraffes, zebras, and ostrich; and specialized areas for warthogs, meerkats, kori bustards, and blue cranes. Adjacent to the lion complex, the Delta Air Lines Rhino Habitat – redesigned for southern white rhinos in 2023 – is home to Mumbles, Dakari, Kiazi, and baby Zuri.

African lions, native to the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, are currently classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their wild populations have dwindled by over 40% in the past two decades due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and intensified human-wildlife conflict.

Plan your visit and learn more about African lion conservation at zooatlanta.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Davis
Director of Communications
rdavis@zooatlanta.org
404.624.2812

Gavin Johnson
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
404.624.5980
gjohnson@zooatlanta.org

SOURCE: Zoo Atlanta