Maryland Zoo Says Goodbye To Leia The Lioness

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—We've watched her grow up and thrive at the Maryland Zoo, but very soon we'll have to say goodbye to Leia the lioness.

Only WJZ takes you into the lion's den, as she prepares for a big journey.

Leia and her brother Luke were born here at the Maryland Zoo in October 2013, but next week, Leia will join a new pride of lions in Texas.

WJZ's Linh Bui explains what's next.

It seems like just yesterday when WJZ got exclusive access to the lion cubs and viewers helped us choose their names!

But two years later, what a difference!

Luke, whose mane is coming in, is staying in Baltimore with his dad Hassan and another lioness named Zuri.

But Leia's preparing for a big change as she prepares to move to the Cameron Park Zoo in Texas.

Linh: "Why is she leaving?"

"So she's going to go be a companion for a young male who is at Waco, Texas," said zoo manager Erin Cantwell. "She's going to another great institution. She's going to go be part of another pride and help them to grow their pride and she's gonna have a good life."

The Maryland Zoo participates in the American "Species Survival Plan," that's how they got Badu -- Luke and Leia's mom -- who died from birth complications.

"It's definitely what zoos are for. The whole point is to be able to continue the species," said Cantwell.

Leia will be put in this crate for the drive to Waco, Texas, which should take about 24 hours. Keepers will be checking on her along the way, giving her food and water.

Keepers are making sure she's healthy and ready for the trip, they admit this goodbye is bittersweet.

"It's tough. We put a ton of time into them with having to hand raise them, but at the same time, this is what she's supposed to do. So it's like sending your kid off to college: you raise them, they get big and the next step in her life is to be able to go somewhere else," said Cantwell. "It's cool to watch that whole cycle go through."