The cubs are now 10 weeks old and have started venturing out of the comforts of their den to explore their habitat for up to 1 hour per day for visitors to see.
In some adorable news for your Friday, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s trio of rambunctious 10-week-old lion cubs have officially been bestowed with monikers that fit them to a T.
Following an engaging online naming competition, a staggering 360,000 devoted members and donors of Zoos Victoria had the unique privilege of casting their votes. The winning titles, standing tall amidst the votes, are none other than Mwezi, Kianga, and Jango.
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These names, drawn from languages hailing from the very African landscapes that house the majestic wild lions, align seamlessly with the distinctive personalities of the Werribee Zoo’s lion cubs, as revealed by African River Trail Keeper Ben Gulli. Mwezi, resonating with “moon” in Swahili, was fittingly assigned to a male cub whose entrance into the world coincided with the luminous aura of a full moon.
On the other hand, the name Kianga, translating to “sunshine” in Swahili, was thoughtfully attached to a female cub who radiates brightness and possesses an uncanny knack for swift learning. And then there’s Jango, evoking “brave” in Xhosa, which aptly graces the second male cub – his confidence in exploring his surroundings solo is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Gulli remarked that the cubs are steadily inching towards growth in both stature and self-assurance. These little dynamos are embracing every chance to venture beyond their den, venturing into the terrain that belongs to their pride. Currently, this gallant exploration extends up to an hour daily – a testament to their boundless curiosity. Though like any younglings, fatigue sets in quickly, but their playtime and exploration are expected to surge as their muscles and resilience burgeon in the forthcoming weeks and months.
“The cubs are continuing to take opportunities to explore beyond the comforts of their den, venturing into their pride’s habitat,” Mr Gulli said. “This is now extending up to one hour a day. Like many other newborns, they tire very quickly but the amount of time they explore and play will increase as they build their strength and resilience in the coming weeks and months.”
This strategic, phased approach underscores a meticulously crafted plan, meticulously designed to echo the integration of wild lion cubs within their environment and with their fellow pride members.
Despite the captivating allure of these lion cubs, the chances for enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of them remain rather scarce. To stay informed about the times when the cubs will grace visitors with extended appearances, both Zoo members and patrons are encouraged to keep a watchful eye on Zoos Victoria’s website and vibrant social media channels, found at zoo.org.au and @zoosvictoria respectively.
The narrative takes a poignant turn as the precarious status of African lions is brought to the fore. These magnificent creatures, labeled as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, grapple with a shrinking population of approximately 39,000 scattered across sub-Saharan Africa. Their struggle is punctuated by challenges ranging from human-wildlife conflict and rampant poaching to the relentless destruction of their habitats.
Werribee Open Range Zoo welcomes first lion cubs in almost six years
However, a glimmer of hope emerges through Werribee Open Range Zoo’s lion pride. These noble beings are an integral part of the Australasian zoo breeding and conservation initiative. The act of breeding and nurturing cubs isn’t merely an undertaking for the present; it plays a pivotal role in the long-term well-being and behaviour of female lions. Not to mention, raising cubs serves as a rich avenue for endless learning opportunities within the pride.
For those visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo, you can catch sight of father Sheru, lioness Asali, and, on select occasions, the motherly presence of Nilo along the mesmerising African River Trail.
Find out more and book your tickets here.
