Lion Cubs Pounce in to Public View at Taronga Zoo Sydney

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 4, 2021 12:10 pm

Five African lion cubs born at Taronga Zoo Sydney 12 weeks ago have been given the chance to explore their enclosure for the first time on public display

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo have celebrated the public debut of their five African lion cubs in the iconic African savanna habitat. Now 12 weeks old the cubs have found their paws and will spend the summer growing their confidence.

Experienced mom Maya welcomed her first litter with first-time dad Ato in August.

Keepers also announced the names of the five cubs. The public were able to select the name of one of the male cubs choosing Khari meaning 'like a king' in Swahili. A second male cub was named Luzuko meaning 'glory' by the carnivore keepers at Taronga.

Generous zoo supporters were given the opportunity to name the three female cubs and choose the Swahili names Malika, Zuri and Ayanna. Malika means ‘like a queen’, Zuri means ‘beautiful’ and Ayanna means ‘beautiful flower.'

Five African lion cubs born at Taronga Zoo Sydney 12 weeks ago have been given the chance to explore their enclosure for the first time on public display

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

Carnivore Unit Supervisor Louise Ginman said like all youngsters, the cubs are growing at a rapid rate: “It’s been such an honour to watch these five precious Lion cubs as they develop their own unique personalities. It has been over 18 years since we’ve heard the pitter-patter of Lion cub paws at Taronga Zoo and it the first time ever we have had a full pride in the new African Savannah,” said Ginman.

“The cubs have changed so much over the course of their little lives. Our guests are going to be in for a real treat every time they come to visit and see the cubs – with so many milestones on the horizon, no two visits will be the same,” said Ginman.

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For the cubs their day is spent taking naps cuddled up with one another before engaging in short bursts of activity. As they find their confidence they will stay close to mom. To allow for this the cubs are only being given access for certain periods of the day.

To prepare the cubs for their public debut they spent time in a holding yard where they could gain important skills such as climbing and foraging. People who subscribed to Taronga TV's cub cam were able to watch this journey.

Five African lion cubs born at Taronga Zoo Sydney 12 weeks ago have been given the chance to explore their enclosure for the first time on public display

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga CEO Cam Kerr AO said: “Cub Cam was such an incredible initiative and gave our community a sneak peek into the lives of the cubs from the very beginning and importantly, an opportunity to support lions in the wild.

“Now that Sydney has reopened, we’re so excited to welcome back our guests and Zoo Friends to meet these new arrivals and to connect with wildlife. As Sydney’s only not-for-profit zoo, every time you visit, you support us to deliver vital conservation work both here in Australia and around the globe,” said Kerr. 

Learn more about African Lions here – African Lion Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Taronga Zoo on their website – Taronga Zoo

Five African lion cubs born at Taronga Zoo Sydney 12 weeks ago have been given the chance to explore their enclosure for the first time on public display

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney