Monarto Safari Park’s lion cubs have officially been named!
We are excited to announce Husani’s litter have been named Malkia, Chad and Ruka.
The female cub has been named Malkia (pronounced mal-key-a), Swahili for Queen, by our partners ElectraNet. The name was chosen by one of their staff who is from Kenya.
The staffer was very excited to have the name chosen as it was close to his heart and in East Africa there is “a lot of respect for the lioness because they feed and take care of their family”.
Chad, meaning protector and defender, was named by Nova’s Ben and Liam, who put the call out to their listeners. The name is inspired by the African country, which has the lion as a national symbol on their coat of arms, and actor Chadwick Boseman who played Marvel’s Black Panther.
Finally after Monarto Safari Park keepers made a shortlist of names for the other male cub, our members and visitors voted and Ruka (pronounced roo-ca) was the fan favourite.
Ruka is Swahili for pounce, jump, and leap. A very fitting name for a little cub that keepers say loves to play and roll around with his siblings!
The little ones have been staying close to mum, but can often be seen laying in the sun or pouncing and playing from the Zu-loop bus or during our Lions at Bedtime experience.
This week they the cubs were introduced to their aunts Nia, Makena, Chikondi, Adira and Zahara.
When they are around three to four months old they will venture out on exhibit with the pride.
Each time you take part in an experience like Lions 360 or Lions at Bedtime you are supporting Zoos SA conservation work and helping to protect lions in the wild.
Your support helps Zoos SA’s partners the Painted Dog Conservation Inc and the Zambian Carnivore Program safeguard lions in their native Zambia.
Our vital conservation work also wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of wonderful corporate partners like ElectraNet.
For more information, to book your tickets or get up close with one of Australia’s largest lion prides, please visit www.monartosafari.com.au.
