Zoo keepers from Leipzig en route to Thuringia, as the motivation stems from a personal matter
Leipzig Zoo Staff Celebrate Former Resident Lion Cub's Birthday
The Leipzig Zoo, located in the state of Saxony, recently made a heartwarming journey to the neighbouring state of Thuringia. The reason for this trip was to celebrate the second birthday of their former resident lion cub, Bahati, who now resides at the Gera Zoo.
Bahati was originally from Leipzig Zoo before moving to Gera Zoo in April 2025. Despite his relocation, Bahati still has friends in Saxony. The Leipzig Zoo keepers, who formed strong bonds with their animal residents, traveled to Gera to honour Bahati's growth and well-being, maintain the bond formed during the cub's early days at Leipzig, and celebrate the successful transition and development of the lion in its new environment.
The celebration for Bahati's birthday was held at the Gera Zoo, another establishment known for its dedication to animal care. The event was a lively one, with many well-wishers present, as per a Facebook post. Bahati received birthday gifts and, according to the zoo, had a great day.
The friendly relationship between the two zoos was evident in the attendance of Leipzig Zoo employees at the celebration. This camaraderie is a testament to the close-knit community within the zoo-keeping industry, where personal and professional connections often run deep.
The reason for Bahati's move from Leipzig Zoo was not specified in the text. However, the Leipzig Zoo is currently in a state of tension, hinting at potential changes within the zoo. Despite this, the staff's visit to Bahati shows their commitment to their former charges, even after they leave the Leipzig Zoo.
As Bahati continues to grow and thrive in his new home, the bond between the two zoos and their staff remains strong, serving as a reminder of the enduring connections formed in the world of zookeeping.
Over the years, Bahati's lifestyle has been a blend of the home-and-garden at Leipzig Zoo and the home-and-garden at Gera Zoo, following his relocation from Leipzig in 2025. Despite the change, Bahati's bond with his former caretakers remains intact, as they celebrationed his second birthday together, surrounded by gifts and well-wishers.
