Three African lion cubs at Taronga Western Plains Zoo have been named in time for World Lion Day, celebrated globally on August 10.
The male cub has been named Nguvu, the Swahili word for ‘strength,’ while his sisters have been named Mzuri (‘good’ or ‘beautiful’) and Kaari (‘young girl’ or ‘daughter’ in Kenyan culture). According to Senior Lion Keeper Melanie Friedman, the names were chosen based on both personality traits and cultural significance.
“We like to select names that reflect the cubs’ heritage and are easy to pronounce,” Friedman said. “Now that they’re five months old, we’re seeing more of their personalities emerge. They still enjoy pouncing on their parents and older siblings but, true to their species, they also spend much of the day sleeping – up to 20 hours.”
Born on 21 February to experienced breeding pair Marion and Lwazi, the cubs share their enclosure with four older sisters – Amali, Imani, Mara, and Zawadi – and can frequently be observed engaging in social and play behaviours in the smaller of the zoo’s two Lion Pride Lands habitats.
Zoo visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the cubs are encouraged to arrive around 10:30am, when the lions are generally released into the habitat.
“The smaller habitat provides a more intimate viewing experience,” Friedman said. “Guests really enjoy seeing the cubs up close, especially when they come right to the glass. It’s an unforgettable moment for many.”
To mark World Lion Day, the zoo will host a special Keeper Talk at 2:30pm on Sunday 10 August, including giveaways and insights into lion behaviour and conservation.
African lions (Panthera leo) are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, with populations under threat from habitat fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Taronga Western Plains Zoo participates in the regional conservation breeding program for the species. The cubs represent a valuable genetic addition to the program, with Marion and Lwazi having produced nine offspring to date.
The pride is expected to transition to the larger Lion Pride Lands habitat by spring, where they will become part of the zoo’s immersive Pride Lands Patrol truck experience.
Photo: Jen Hoar