Pawfect Names Chosen For Monarto Safari Park Lion Cubs

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: April 2, 2022 10:38 pm

Newly named lion cubs Malkia, Chad and Ruka are seen at Monarto Safari Park

Photo Credit: Zoos SA

Monarto Safari Park have announced the names for their three African lion cubs born earlier this year to mother Husani.

They have been named, Malkia, Chad and Ruka. The female cub Malkia is the Swahili word for Queen and was selected by a staff member from the zoo's partner ElectraNet.

The staffer was very excited to have the name chosen as it was close to his heart and in East Africa there is "a lot of respect for the lioness because they feed and take care of their family".

Chad was named following suggestions on a local radio station. It is inspired by the African country, which has the lion as a national symbol on their coat of arms, and actor Chadwick Boseman who played Marvel’s Black Panther.

Ruka came from a shortlist of names which were selected by Monarto Safari Park keepers and then voted on by zoo members and visitors.

Her name comes from the Swahili word for pounce, jump, and leap. A very fitting name for a little cub that keepers say loves to play and roll around with his siblings!

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For now the cubs are have been staying close to their mother Husani. Often they will be seen laying in the sun or playing from the Zu-loop bus.

Recently the cubs have been introduced to their aunts Nia, Makena, Chikondi, Adira and Zahara.

Once they are 3-4 months old they will join the rest of the lion pride in the main exhibit and be more visible to guests.

Guests who visit the cubs or participate in an experience like Lions 360 or Lions at Bedtime are supporting Zoos SA conservation work and helping to protect lions in the wild.

Funds from these experiences help Zoos SA’s partners the Painted Dog Conservation Inc and the Zambian Carnivore Program safeguard lions in their native Zambia.

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

Learn more about Monarto Safari Park on their website – Monarto Safari Park