NORTH KNOXVILLE

Zoo Knoxville’s new lion cub thriving with hand-rearing

Jack Coker, Shopper News

Many people think of a zoo primarily as a place for entertainment. We all remember the interesting animals or maybe even the camel ride. But at their core, good zoos are focused on conservation. Our own zoo is no exception.

Recently, Zoo Knoxville welcomed the birth of a male African lion cub, born Feb. 17 to first-time mother Zahra and father Maji. While on the surface this may sound routine, behind the scenes it offers a window into the complex, often delicate work of conservation in the modern world.

Zahra’s arrival in Knoxville wasn’t incidental. She was brought here through a breeding recommendation tied to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which is a nationwide effort to ensure genetic diversity among animals in human care. This cub is part of a long-term strategy to help preserve a species facing real pressure in the wild.

HALLS

Central High School’s Bobcat Company to perform ‘Hairspray’

Al Lesar, Shopper News

There will be more than just singing and dancing at Central High School this weekend.

When the musical «Hairspray» is performed by Bobcat Company, it will come with a message of acceptance for the audience.

Set in 1962, «Hairspray» focuses on television network executives deciding to put the rock ‘n’ roll teen show «American Bandstand» on nationally. However, in Baltimore, the local station execs didn’t want it because it was integrated, involving Black and White teens.

«I thought, in the environment we live in now, this would resonate with our students (in the cast),» said Alison Werner, a teacher at Central and the director of the