PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Two lion cubs at the Phoenix Zoo made their debut in the Predator Passage lion habitat on Friday.
Six-year-old lioness Zuri gave birth to her first litter, and her cubs, Jasiri and Azizi, are the first African lions to be born at the Phoenix Zoo since 1976. The cubs are now four months old.
The two cubs’ names came from a contest in which the public was asked to choose options honoring their African roots. The names chosen both have special meanings: Jasiri means brave, and Azizi means precious.
The Phoenix Zoo said the cubs are continuing to do well in their habitat and are getting used to their new surroundings.
The best time to see the cubs is in the cooler morning hours. The zoo opens to the general public at 9 a.m.
Jasiri and Azizi spend most of their morning playing together and then taking a well-deserved nap!
The Phoenix Zoo said the cubs are not always visible as they adjust to their new home. Crews will be stationed around the habitat to answer any questions.
The cubs’ aunt, Kamara, will enjoy some time in a side holding yard so Jasiri and Azizi can settle into the new habitat with their mother.
The zoo plans to reintroduce her to the cubs once they have had time to explore and get comfortable.
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