A trio of Lion cubs at Taronga Western Plains Zoo have been named just in time for World Lion Day on Sunday 10 August 2025.

The male cub has been named Nguvu [NOO-voo], a Swahili word meaning ‘strength’, while one of the female cubs has been named Mzuri [muh-ZOO-ree], meaning ‘good’ or ‘beautiful’. The third cub has been named Kaari [CAR-ree], a ‘young girl’ or ‘daughter’ in Kenyan culture.

“It’s really important for us to get a gauge on their personalities when choosing names, and we think the names suit them well. We like names that reflect their homeland, and that are easy to pronounce and spell as well.” said Senior Lion Keeper Melanie Friedman.

“Now that the cubs are five months old, there’s a lot more interaction with their family. They still like to pounce on Mum and Dad and their sisters, but they also spend a lot of the day sleeping which is what lions naturally do – up to 20 hours a day!”

Born on February 21 to experienced parents Marion and Lwazi, the cubs have settled into their home on the smaller of the Zoo’s two Lion Pride Lands habitats and can often be seen stalking and playing with their parents and big sisters Amali, Imani, Mara and Zawadi.

The best time to see the cubs is about 10:30am daily when they go out into their lion Pride Lands habitat.

“Guests love seeing them because they’re so interactive, especially on our smaller exhibit,” Mel said.

“They’re nice and close so people get a good opportunity to engage with and see them – potentially for the first time ever! It’s also great when you have the cubs right up at the glass viewing window. There’s nothing cuter.”

Guests can learn more about the pride at a special World Lion Day Keeper Talk on Sunday, 10 August at 2:30pm, where there will also be special prizes given away.

African Lions are classified as vulnerable in the wild with populations decreasing due to human-animal conflict and habitat loss. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is part of the regional breeding program for African Lions, with Marion and Lwazi’s nine cubs representing a new genetic line for the region.

The pride will move onto the larger of the Zoo’s two Lion Pride Lands habitats by spring, where guests will have the chance to see them on board the Pride Lands Patrol truck.