Born between July 2009 and January 2010, these lions arrived from Jordan (Arandas, Muhawish, Saba’a, Amra, Khawla) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Lubumbashi, Kalemi, Kolwezi). After a delicate introduction period, they formed an unlikely family, but time brought change. 

In 2014, the males Arandas, Muhawish, and Saba’a reached maturity. Dominance battles erupted, and the group’s unity fractured. Saba’a and the sisters Khawla and Amra found refuge in a part of the enclosure.

Saba’a’s unexpected passing in 2021 left a void. The remaining three males Arandas, Muhawish, and Lubumbashi continued their struggle for supremacy. Lubumbashi, once separated, returned to the group, now residing next to the females. Congo-born sisters Kalemi and Kolwezi share the right enclosure with Jordanian brothers Arandas and Muhawish (affectionately known as Blondie). 

The Jordanian group, born in December 2009, were smuggled across borders. Arandas, Muhawish, Amra, and Khawla were confiscated by customs and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature Jordan and were packed into a small cat kennel. Their wild spirits found solace at the New Hope center in Jordan. 

However, as time passed Arandas, Muhawish, Amra, and Khawla now stand together. Their journey speaks of resilience, survival, and the unbreakable bonds.