Lincoln Park Zoo Lions 🦁 3 Brothers get Cowhide Treats - they will soon leave this zoo for new homes

Three young African lions at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago will soon be moving to new homes. Pilipili, who is three years old, will transfer to Phoenix Zoo. Pesho and Sidai, both two years old, will move to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in South Carolina.

These moves are part of the African Lion Species Survival Plan, a program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that coordinates population management among member institutions.

Visitors can say goodbye to Pilipili, Sidai, and Pesho during the first week of their departure starting November 21. The zoo remains free and open every day of the year.

“As the first cubs born at Pepper Family Wildlife Center, and the first cubs born at Lincoln Park Zoo in two decades, Pilipili, Sidai, and Pesho will always hold a special place in our hearts and the history of the zoo,” said Curator Cassy Kutilek. “From Pilipili’s calm oversight as the oldest, to the defiant nature of Sidai and Pesho’s ever present serenity, we’ll miss these boys deeply, but we’re also excited to see them go off and live their adult lives at two other amazing zoos.”

The lions were born at Lincoln Park Zoo to parents Jabari and Zari. Pilipili was born on March 15, 2022 after the opening of a new facility at the end of 2021. Pesho and Sidai were born on January 9, 2023.

from the Southland Marquee - F.K. Carey

This video was filmed Nov 19, 2025. It spans about a 3 hour period, all the clips are in sequential order.

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago