African lions return to Saint Louis Zoo

African lions have returned to the Saint Louis Zoo after more than a year. Araali, a 6-year-old African lion, made her public debut on September 22, 2026. She is scheduled to be joined soon by Bantu, a 12-year-old male lion. The Saint Louis Zoo provided video of the event, marking the return of the species to the facility as the institution prepares for the arrival of the second lion to complete the pair.