'Mane' attraction: Houston Zoo welcomes new lion 'Hasani' after passing of iconic 'Jonathan'

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Zoo has a new "mane" attraction just in time for holidays.

The zoo introduced 400-pound male lion Hasani to its lion habitat.

Hasani arrived at the Houston Zoo from Oregon as part of a program that oversees population management of select species.

According to the zoo, Hasani will be spending time with three lionesses, alternative time in the yard until they are all better acquainted.

RELATED: Houston Zoo lionesses play in the snow

The Houston Zoo posted a video Friday morning showing some of the lionesses playing in the snow.

Citing latest scientific estimates, the zoo said there are only enough lions left in Africa to fill a football stadium. The estimate is half of what was counted 20 years ago.

Hasani is the first male lion to reside at the Houston Zoo since the passing of Jonathan late last year.

Report a typo to the ABC13 staff