The National Zoo of Rabat is Morocco’s ultimate wildlife sanctuary, where conservation meets adventure, preserving the world’s last Atlas lions.
Casablanca – Starting October 20, visitors to the National Zoo of Rabat will get an exclusive chance to see the zoo’s newest addition – a four-month-old Atlas lion cub – alongside its mother in the “Savanna”’ biozone.
Born in August 2024, this cub is slowly finding its place within the group of Atlas lions under the care of expert zoo staff.
A conservation milestone for Morocco
This birth is a game-changer for the zoo’s conservation program and the country’s efforts to protect Atlas lions.
It’s the first Atlas lion cub born since the creation of a new group in 2022, marking a significant step forward in preserving this iconic Moroccan species, which has been extinct in the wild since the early 20th century.
The cub is being closely monitored by zoo teams and veterinarians, receiving the specialized care it needs to thrive.
The Atlas lion legacy lives on
Morocco is currently the only country actively protecting and conserving the Atlas lion, a species once widespread but now critically endangered.
The Rabat Zoo hosts the largest remaining population of this species in the world, with their numbers fluctuating between 30 and 40 lions.
Through its innovative conservation program, the zoo says it aims to foster regular, controlled reproduction while maintaining a balanced genetic pool, critical for the long-term survival of the species.
Nurturing tomorrow’s wildlife guardians
Beyond just conservation, the zoo is focusing on raising awareness.
During upcoming school holidays, they’ll be hosting workshops designed to teach younger generations about the importance of protecting endangered species and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.
The workshops will also highlight the history and cultural significance of the Atlas lion, ensuring that this incredible species remains a key part of Moroccan heritage for years to come.
