Victorians will have a rare opportunity to choose the names of four new lion cubs at the Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Lion Pride.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio met the eight-week old cubs today, kick-starting a vote to name the protected African lions.
The cubs will start venturing out on display under the watchful eye of their mother Nilo this weekend after receiving a clean bill of health from specialist vets.
In a Victorian first, visitors to the Lion Pride will be given a token upon entry and asked to cast their vote for one of eight African-inspired names shortlisted by keepers.
The two male and two female cubs will receive the names that garner the most votes over a two-week period. Voting closes on Sunday 29 October.
The birth is the third litter to be born at the Werribee Open Range Zoo since 2015. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of zoo keepers, Nilo, Johari and their offspring get the very best of care.
Lioness mum Nilo was born in Denmark’s Givskud Zoo and arrived at Werribee in 2014. Dad Johari joined the Pride from Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in 2012. The latest litter is the second the pair have raised.
Visitors can check Zoos Victoria’s Facebook page for more information, or visit zoo.org.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This is a rare chance for Victorians to help name the newest additions to the Werribee Open Range Zoo.”
“What better time to get down and see Victoria’s newest lion cubs venture out on public display for the first time.”
“African Lion numbers have plummeted in the wild due to loss of habitat, poaching and conflict with people. Lions at the zoo play an important role helping people understand how vulnerable their wild counterparts are.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020