Three South African lions arrive at Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend

SOUTH BEND — A new pride of healthy African lions has arrived at the Potawatomi Zoo.

The male, Kembe, and sisters Shaba and Shtuko are each about 10 years old. The zoo announced Friday that they all came from South Africa to the United States and have lived together as a pride since 2013. They’d come to Potawatomi Zoo from another facility that’s accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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The zoo says visitors will mostly see the trio in their indoor quarters for the first 30 days while the lions finish quarantine, a standard for all new arrivals at the zoo.

The zoo expects to complete the lions’ outdoor habitat by mid-June to include paths and visitor fencing. Meanwhile, zoo officials say, there may be times when the lions are kept to the back or the exhibit is blocked off for construction.

“It’s been three years since we started developing this lion habitat, and we’re so grateful for the community support that’s led to this moment,” zoo Executive Director Josh Sisk said.

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Found on the east side of the zoo in what had been the chimpanzee habitat, it’s known as the Wilma and Peter Veldman Family Lion Habitat. It was part of a campaign to bring giraffes and lions.

“Our top priority is the physical and mental welfare of our animals,” Sisk said of the quarantine. “The zoo keepers will start working with the lions right away. Training and rewards will help build a close bond between the lions and keepers, which is crucial to big cat care.”

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: African lions come to Potawatomi Zoo new exhibit in South Bend