Set to be the mane event this school holidays, four African Lion cubs have ventured into the public habitat for the first time at Monarto Safari Park!

Cautious at first, the curious cubs were quick to explore the huge habitat under the watchful eye of mum Husani and aunties Makena and Nia. The cubs will be out on exhibit every other day with tomorrow (Saturday) set to be a day when they’re on exhibit. On other days the cubs will be in their exercise yard which is viewable from the bus.

Monarto Safari Park’s lion keeper, Alli Quinn, said the cubs’ personalities are starting to shine through.

“They’ve all got unique personalities, the little boy is very chilled while the three girls are feisty and have a lot of attitude!

“Husani is a fantastic mum, she’s very relaxed and lets the cubs do their own thing while always keeping a protective eye on them to make sure they’re not getting up to too much mischief,” said Alli.

This is Husani’s third litter of cubs at the park and it’s always a special time for keepers and the wider community.

“They have been providing a lot of entertainment for keepers, playing and learning about life in the pride, and now the cubs are out and about we can’t wait for the public to meet them!”

The carnivore team is calling on the help of the community to choose pawfect names for the cubs.

“We’d love for the general public to get involved and help give these cubs beautiful names that reflect their personalities.”

Keepers have chosen a handful of roarsome names in Swahili and Zulu for the public to vote on:

• Mshindi (meaning champion in Swahili)
• Bahati (meaning lucky in Swahili)
• Lela (meaning dark beauty in Swahili)
• Chakula (meaning food in Swahili)
• Kadija (meaning respected/trustworthy in Swahili)
• Nombela (meaning climb in Zulu)

By voting, he public will go in the draw to win a double pass to Lions 360. Voting will take place at www.monartosafari.com.au/event/name-the-lion-cubs/

Monarto Safari Park is open 365 days a year – including Christmas Day – so the public can meet the cubs this festive season.

Visiting the cubs at the park also helps Zoos SA continue vital conservation work to save African Lions for future generations. Over 30 African Lions have been bred at Monarto Safari Park, highlighting the real impact Zoos SA is having in helping save this species from extinction.

“Listed as vulnerable to extinction, lions aren’t faring too well in the wild and their numbers are decreasing so we look forward to seeing these cubs contribute to the insurance population and keep lions around for years to come,” she said.

Zoos SA’s impact on conservation extends beyond the breeding success at the park, and the conservation charity supports the Zambian Carnivore Program, which does amazing work in conservation research, habitat restoration and education on the ground in Africa.

Monarto Safari Park is open 365 days a year. Please see www.monartosafari.com.au for full details of the holiday program, opening hours and activities.