The Denver Zoo is getting a new lion. His name is Tobias.
Save your "Arrested Development" jokes. This lion has dignity (and is, obviously, always nude).
The well-maned 2-year-old came to Denver in mid-December from the Buffalo Zoo and will make his debut in the next few weeks. He'll join the zoo's three female lions and possibly become a mate for 3-year-old Kamara and 6-year-old Neliah.
"Tobias is already showing signs that he's feeling right at home at the Zoo-he's acclimating to his new surroundings and participating in training sessions with our care team," Assistant Curator of Predators Matt Lenyo said in a press release.. "If all goes well, we'll hopefully have a successful match with at least one of the females, which could mean lion cubs within the next couple years."
According to the release, Tobias could play an important role in maintaining a healthy, genetically-diverse population of African lions. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature classifies the species as "vulnerable."
No word yet on Tobias' first public appearance. He's currently in the midst of a mandatory 30-day quarantine.
