Dane County Executive Joe Parisi on Thursday announced the arrival of a new female African lion at Dane County's Henry Vilas Zoo.

The lion came to Madison from the Sedgewick County Zoo in Wichita, Kan.

Ronda Schwetz, director of the zoo, said that Shakura is just over two years old and is a young adult. The Lion Species Survival Plan, which works to preserve a species over generations, sent Shakura to pair with Henry, the older male lion currently at the zoo.

The SSP makes matches to help produce the healthiest and most genetically sound offspring possible for the long-term health of the whole population.

"Shakura is very energetic and fun to watch on exhibit. She has taken to her new surroundings very well," said Schwetz in a Dane County news release.

Local, national protection groups bringing awareness to pet birds    

The City of Madison joins a national non-profit in celebrating the feathered kind on National Bird Day Saturday.

On Dec. 19, Mayor Paul Soglin signed a proclamation making Jan. 5 Bird Day in the city. Soglin wrote he “encourage[s] our citizens to conserve and protect the world’s birds from cruelty and extinction.”

The city’s Bird Day coincides with the same day it is celebrated nationwide through Born Free and the Avian Welfare Coalition.

Monica Engebretson, wildlife biologist with Born Free, said National Bird Day is about to protecting and appreciating birds.

“Birds are actually not domesticated animals like cats and dogs,” Engebretson said. “They belong in the wild and it is very challenging to meet their needs in a home environment.”

A local non-profit organization is hosting a fundraiser for Madison Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

Capital K9s helps to fund the unit through their annual Dog Paddle event.  Now in its sixth year, the event will be held at Goodman Pool, located at 325 W. Olin Ave.

At the Dog Paddle, dogs can swim, play and compete for prizes.  Past events have had 1,000 dogs in attendance.

Capital K9s recently helped the Madison Police Department purchase two new dogs which each cost $50,000, according to the non-profit.

The event will be Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission costs $12 for dogs and dog owners enter for free.

To register, purchase tickets, and for more information about Capital K9s and the dogs, visit http://www.capitalk9s.org/