Born 12 weeks ago in August, the litter comprises three female cubs and two males, bringing joy and excitement to both zoo supporters and the public alike. The female cubs have been affectionately named ‘Malika,’ ‘Zuri,’ and ‘Ayanna,’ each embodying meaningful Swahili names symbolizing royalty, beauty, and grace. Meanwhile, one of the male cubs has been named ‘Khari,’ signifying ‘like a king’ in Swahili, while the other male carries the name ‘Luzuko,’ representing ‘glory’ in South African tradition.

The proud lioness, Maya, alongside her cubs, has been delighting visitors at Taronga Zoo’s African Savannah habitat, showcasing the nurturing bond between mother and offspring. Under the careful watch of Carnivore Unit Supervisor Louise Ginman, the cubs are thriving and growing rapidly, each exhibiting their unique personalities as they explore their surroundings.

The journey leading to this moment began roughly a year ago when lioness Maya was transferred from Taronga’s Western Plains Zoo to Sydney. After residing in the new African Savannah precinct, she was introduced to lion brothers Lwazi and Ato, with whom she established the pride. Maya and Ato are the proud parents of the new cubs, who are gradually gaining confidence as they explore their habitat.