Woodland Park Zoo is celebrating a heartwarming milestone as its two female South African lion cubs born January 14 have officially been named—one by the community through a naming poll and the other by a generous donor.

The cubs, born to first‑time parents Ilanga (ee‑LONG‑uh) and Tandie, are the first lion cubs born at the zoo since 2014. They are now proudly known as Kamari (kuh‑MAH‑ree) and Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee).

The zoo’s lion care team chose the names for the poll. Kamari, meaning “moon” in Swahili, was the top vote getter. Woodland Park Zoo is truly grateful for the groundswell of 460 donors throughout the community who participated to name Kamari with contributions of every size. All funds raised further help the zoo provide the very best home and care for both sisters along with the other hundreds of animals who call the zoo home. 

A parent and now grandparent of zoo lovers was honored to name the other sweet little cub Zawadi, meaning “gift” in Swahili, symbolizing the joy and positivity that children bring to their families and community. 

“These adorable lion cubs are already having a major impact and helping people feel connected to these majestic felines of the savanna and to each other,” said Martin Ramirez, curator of mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo. “Their names represent both personal generosity and the incredible community support for our zoo. This new generation of lions is part of a larger story of stewardship, care and community. We are grateful to our community for choosing to be a part of our lion family.” 

The cubs represent a significant milestone for Woodland Park Zoo’s multigenerational lion pride. Dad Tandie was born at the zoo in 2014 to beloved lions Xerxes and Adia. Xerxes lived at the zoo until his passing in 2022, making Zawadi and Kamari his granddaughters and a third‑generation lineage at the zoo. 

Ilanga and her cubs continue to live in the off‑view maternity den, where they are bonding in quiet surroundings. Tandie remains separated from the family until the cubs are older. The zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams are monitoring the cubs closely through regular wellness exams as they grow. The cubs will be introduced to the public outdoor habitat once they get a little stronger. 

Woodland Park Zoo’s lions belong to the South African subspecies, Panthera leo krugeri. Known as the Transvaal lion, it ranges in Southern Sahara to South Africa, excluding the Congo rain forest belt, in grassy plains, savanna and open woodlands.  

These lions range in weight from 260 to 400 pounds. African lions are considered vulnerable with as few as 22,000–25,000 estimated to remain in the wild and their future remains uncertain, particularly as the growth in human population continues to impact lion populations. There is legal hunting of lions and retaliation killing because they pose a threat to humans and livestock. 

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.