What:Predators of the Serengeti at the Oregon Zoo
Where: 4001 SW Canyon Rd Portland, OR 97231 [map it]
When: Grand Opening September 12th-13th
Tickets: $7.50 - $10.50, parking $2
Website: oregonzoo.org

Three newly acquired African lions - Zawadi Mungu, Kya and Neka - got a clean bill of health this morning in preparation for their move into the Oregon Zoo's much anticipated Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, opening Sept. 12. However, acquiring these enormous felines was no small feat.

Zawadi Mungu, meaning "gift of God," is the male of the zoo's new lion pride. He is 1 year and 2 months old, and will join Kya and Neka, two females of the same age, in the zoo's new exhibit.

The lions were acquired from different zoos as part of the Oregon Zoo's new breeding program designed to help ensure the longevity of the African lion. Zawadi Mungu was acquired from the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the females came from Wisconsin's Racine Zoo and the Virginia Zoo.

"Obtaining new animals is a lengthy and detailed process," said Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo's general curator. "It requires cooperation from all participating zoos, animal program managers, veterinarians and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums."

The AZA has established Species Survival Plans, cooperative breeding programs that help create genetically diverse, self-sustaining captive populations to guarantee the long-term future of animals. These SSPs also support relevant field projects, research and public education to help prevent animal endangerment and extinction.

"It's rare to take animals directly from the wild, so for breeding purposes most are obtained through loan agreements with other zoos," Pfefferkorn said. "We take extensive precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our animals before and after they arrive."

A careful review process is conducted with each animal before it arrives at the zoo, during which the creatures' previous zoo histories, growth, reproductive efforts, health and stress levels are evaluated to determine compatibility with the new environment.

"We need to know if the animals have any medical conditions requiring treatment and if they have any contagious diseases that could spread to animals already here," said Mitch Finnegan, lead veterinarian at the zoo. "Just as it's essential for humans to get frequent checkups, it's important for animals to receive regular examinations and healthcare regimens."

There was a time in Sub-Saharan Africa when lion tracks could be found by day and lion roars heard throughout the night. Sadly, that is no longer true. Ten years ago, lions were abundant in much of East Africa, but with the exception of major parks and reserves, lions and other great predators are disappearing at alarming rates. The Oregon Zoo's breeding program aims to help restore these dwindling populations. 

In addition to the lions, the zoo will welcome five African wild dogs, all male, from the Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre in Fort Langley, British Columbia. These dogs have bodies similar to wolves, but with larger, batlike ears, white-tipped tails and distinctive patches of black, yellow, white and dark brown on their coats. They are listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union and the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Two male cheetahs from the Wildlife Safari breeding program in Winston, Ore., will also find a home in the grasslands of the Predators exhibit. These magnificent creatures are earth's fastest land animals, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. Cheetahs are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and hunting by farmers concerned about their livestock.

Predators of the Serengeti opens to the public Sept. 12, featuring expansive naturalistic environments and nose-to-whisker views of some of Africa's most endangered carnivores. Other animals joining the exhibit include caracals, red-billed hornbills, dwarf mongooses and an African rock python.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington's pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Oregon spotted frogs and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 8 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $10.50 (12-64), seniors $9 (65+), children $7.50 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.