Bahati celebrates her birthday: the lion paradise in Gera Zoo is growing!
Leipzig Zoo celebrated Bahati's second birthday at Gera Zoo, where he made new lion friendships.

Bahati celebrates her birthday: the lion paradise in Gera Zoo is growing!
On July 5, 2025, a very special birthday was celebrated in Gera Zoo: The lion cub Bahati, who only moved to Gera in April, turned two years old. Employees of the Leipzig Zoo traveled specifically to celebrate this festive occasion with Bahati and his new carers. They bring with them a close connection to the little lion, which was originally born in the Leipzig Zoo. Reports from the zoo indicated that the lion was presented with gifts and seemed to enjoy the celebration very much.
The celebration and the residents of the Gera Zoo are a certain topic, because Bahati is not the only exciting chapter. Sisters Sari and Mali, both five years old, also live in the zoo, but had to cope with the loss of their brother Mufassa, who had to be euthanized due to a tumor. The loss was noticeable for the two lionesses, and now they get to know Bahati, albeit still behind bars; a direct meeting would be too risky at the moment.
Living conditions of the lions in the Gera Zoo
Interestingly, a lot has happened in the lion enclosure at the Gera Zoo. In order to ensure optimal keeping for the three lions, the enclosure was even rebuilt and expanded. The renovation work, which began last year and cost around 52,000 euros, has transformed the former leopard enclosure into a new habitat for the lions. In addition to new warming areas and heated drinking troughs, underfloor heating was also installed, which offers the lions additional comfort.
In the last few weeks, Sari, Mali and Bahati have been busy getting used to their newly designed kingdom. During the work, the trio had to spend a few days in the outdoor area, which brought a little variety to their everyday life. With any luck, they will soon be fully reunited, but the keepers are aware that this will only be possible once Mali is in heat. The relaxed and curious Bahati is an interesting friend for the two ladies, and the interaction between the lions has been promising so far.
The Gera Zoo receives valuable support from Leipzig Zoo, who not only came to the celebration, but also helps with the care and adjustments to the enclosures. This ensures that the lions are not only kept in a species-appropriate manner, but that all requirements for their well-being are also met.
Visitors to the zoo can look forward to exciting developments in the near future, as Bahati and his “sisters” will make the lion enclosure more lively than ever before. The story of these animal residents is a colorful chapter in the Gera Zoo and shows how important the work and commitment of the animal keepers in our area is.
For all animal lovers who would like to find out more about the conversions and the life of the lions, the information is available on the website Gera Zoo available at any time. Stop by and discover the exciting innovations that make the lives of our animal friends even more beautiful.