Community helps to name lions cubs at Woodland Park Zoo

The parents of Woodland Park Zoo’s latest litter of lion cubs have given the final approval on the names for their three sons.

Locals were asked to cast their vote to decide the names for the three male cubs all of which were derived from languages linked to the South African lion’s native range.

The name that scored the most votes from the public was Tandie (meaning “fire”) and was automatically selected as one of the cub’s names.

The second, third and fourth most popular names were then presented to proud parents Adia and Xerxes who played the final part in the naming decision.

On January 29, as proud mom Adia attended to the cubs, Xerxes (pictured above) tore into the two enrichment items with the names Gandia (meaning “clever”) and Mandla (meaning “power/strength”).

“We’re greatful to have our community members take part in naming our three lion cubs,” says Woodland Park Zoo collection manager Pat Owen.

The three male cubs – Tandie, Gandia and Mandla – were born on October 24 last year to seasoned mom Adia and first time dad Xerxes.

As the warm, dry weather becomes more frequent, locals are set to see more of the cubs outside in the African Savanna exhibit.