African lion · No. 10 of 22
Phoenix Ran a Full Offseason
Two lions out with a themed farewell party, one in from Chicago six weeks later.
The Deal
The Grades
Phoenix
Dispersed two males at the right developmental moment and backfilled the position within six weeks. Textbook sequencing.
Zoo Miami
Acquired a bonded pair with a genuine origin story attached.
Lincoln Park
Moved three young males in one window, clearing space for future cubs.
The Breakdown
Jasiri and Azizi were the first African lions born at the Phoenix Zoo since 1976. Their father, Boboo, died shortly after they were born, which made the cubs the last thing he left behind. Phoenix sent them to Miami in November 2025 with a Miami Vice themed farewell party and a goodbye message wall for the public to sign.
Six weeks later the same front office signed a replacement: Pilipili, the first lion born at Lincoln Park Zoo in twenty years and the first cub born at its Pepper Family Wildlife Center. He arrived in Phoenix in late December, joined lionesses Zuri and Kamara, and got a public fourth birthday party in March.
Two out, one in, one full roster cycle in a single offseason, with a themed send-off on one end and a birthday party on the other. If you want to understand how this sport actually operates, this is the trade tree to follow.
