New den camera footage from Woodland Park Zoo shows the zoo’s two South African lion cubs wrestling and playing as mama lion, Ilanga (ee-LONG-uh), watches on.

Ilanga is making sure her two precious cubs are fierce, cozy and full of good energy as they discover their world. The two are still snug in the maternity den, but soon they’ll be romping and dashing all over outdoors.

Naming Poll

From now until 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 16, vote on the zoo’s website by making a donation of $5 or more. The four names were selected by the zoo’s lion care team. The donations will directly support the high-quality care of the growing cubs and the zoo’s entire animal family.

At the end of the voting period, the cub’s name will be determined by the number of individual donations submitted for each option. Votes must be submitted by March 16.

Name Options:

• Imara – “Strong” in Swahili
• Nuru – “Light” in Swahili 
• Adira – A tribute to the cub’s grandmother Adia 
• Kamari – “Moon” in Swahili

Make your donation and cast your vote here: zoo.org/lioncub. The “cub shower” registry includes examples of how your gift could enrich the cubs’ lives as they grow and the option to make additional donations. 

In partnership with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ African Lion SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, Woodland Park Zoo supports conservation organizations working with communities living with lions, with the goal of increasing the number of lions in the wild by reinforcing viable, connected landscapes and supporting tolerant communities coexisting with African lions. Every visit to the zoo helps support the project. The zoo is also offering a special lion ZooParent adoption package through the end of April. Click ZooParent to learn more.