They're named for the couple separated by the Acadian expulsion in the epic poem, Evangeline, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. But zoo officials foresee a happy ending to this story.

Zoo spokeswoman Lea Loftin tells The Daily Iberian that the zoo bought 9-year-old Evangeline from the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Wichita, Kan. for nearly $70,000.

Loftin says the zoo plans an "engagement party" in the spring, and a later wedding in their enclosure behind the concession stand.

Loftin says Evangeline has had three babies, and officials hope she and 8-year-old Gabriel will add to the number.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)