Information from Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo invites the community to take part in a special Lion Naming Poll for one of its two female South African lion cubs born on January 14.
The cubs were born to first‑time mother Ilanga (ee-LONG-uh) and father Tandie. The sister cubs mark an exciting new chapter in the zoo’s multi‑generational pride: their dad, Tandie, was also born right here at Woodland Park Zoo in 2014 to beloved lions Xerxes and Adia.
Mom and cubs continue living in the off-view maternity den where they can bond. Dad remains separated from the cubs and mother until the cubs are older. It will be several weeks before the cubs are ready to venture into the public habitat.
Naming Poll:
From now until 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 16, vote on the zoo’s website by making a donation of $5 or more. The four names were selected by the zoo’s lion care team. The donations will directly support the high-quality care of the growing cubs and the zoo’s entire animal family.
At the end of the voting period, the cub’s name will be determined by the number of individual donations submitted for each option. Votes must be submitted by March 16.
Name Options:
- Imara – “Strong” in Swahili
- Nuru – “Light” in Swahili
- Adira – A tribute to the cub’s grandmother Adia
- Kamari – “Moon” in Swahili
Make your donation and cast your vote here: zoo.org/lioncub. The "cub shower" registry includes examples of how your gift could enrich the cubs' lives as they grow and the option to make additional donations.
In partnership with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ African Lion SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, Woodland Park Zoo supports conservation organizations working with communities living with lions, with the goal of increasing the number of lions in the wild by reinforcing viable, connected landscapes and supporting tolerant communities coexisting with African lions. Every visit to the zoo helps support the project. The zoo is also offering a special Lion ZooParent adoption package through the end of April. Click ZooParent to learn more.
Zoo hours: 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily. For more information or to become a zoo member, visit www.zoo.org and follow the zoo on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky and TikTok.
