Meet Hondo

Our three lion brothers have grown into their majestic appearance as fully-grown adult male lions.  Hondo is the largest of the Zoo’s trio, and is usually the dominant lion in the group.  Listen out for the boys throughout the day showing off their newly perfected roaring abilities.

With his bold opinions and fierce personality, he's not afraid to let you know what he thinks. Despite his mighty roar, Hondo is a social butterfly when it comes to his care team, always ready to say hello; he's quite the charmer. He loves to play with his enrichment toys, showing off his playful side while keeping his mind sharp. He likes to watch the world around him with interest and intrigue. He is very nosy and likes to watch guests, keepers, contractors, and particularly his neighbors the rhinos.

PREFERRED FOODS: Beef chunks, rabbits, diluted goat milk

PREFERRED ENRICHMENT: Balls and smells from neighboring animals, particularly giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and elephants.

NOTABLE TRAINED BEHAVIORS: Paw present, open mouth, hip present for voluntary injections, blood draw from tail

NOTABLE BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS:

Hondo is usually the second lion to shift out in the morning, always making sure that Hatari doesn't get there first. He is then the first to come in at night and is very particular about what den he eats in every night. He loves to lie on the grass and squish his face into the ground. Hondo tends to let his brother Azizi do most of the patrolling, and is happy to just nap in the sun.