Today, London Zoo announces the names of its three 13-week-old Asiatic lion cubs. Mali (male), Syanii (male) and Shanti (female) were born at the conservation zoo on 13 March 2024 to seven-year-old mum, Arya, and 14-year-old dad Bhanu.
The trio of names was provided by schoolchildren, supported by London Zoo’s corporate partner Liontrust, after schools across the UK submitted their thoughts for the very best names to suit these spirited cubs.
The final three were decided on by Times Radio listeners, providing much-anticipated names to the zoo’s young Asiatic lions.
READ MORE: Cruel woman caught breeding 112 pet RATS in single room
For each of the names, the participating schoolchildren were asked to provide reasons for their chosen lion names: Latin-derived Mali alludes to the endangered status of Asiatic lions in the wild, while Syanii is a reinterpretation of the Bengali name Savani, and Shanti means “peace” in Indo-Aryan language Gujarati.
The 13-week-old cubs have captured the hearts of the zoo’s visitors, as the feisty trio grow from strength to strength, each developing distinct personalities.
London Zoo’s lion keepers have found Syanii to be the group’s natural leader, being the first to take bold, inquisitive steps around his rural Indian-inspired paddock and leading the way for his more trepidatious siblings. Shanti is curious and playful, with an enthusiasm for climbing, while both boys have already proven themselves to be doting big brothers.
“The addition of these three lion cubs to Bhanu and Arya’s family is hugely exciting for all of us at the zoo and a great conservation achievement”, said lion keeper Martin O’Sullivan. “Asiatic lions are an endangered species in the wild, with population numbers thought to be around 600-700, so three new lion cubs are a critical step toward building a strong reserve population to protect the species.
“The Asiatic lions here at London Zoo are sponsored by Liontrust, whose support for our work benefits the conservation breeding programme of this endangered species. Liontrust spearheaded a campaign to find names for these cubs, and we’re delighted by the results of the nationwide vote.”
The zoo’s visitors have been delighted to hear all three cubs practising to roar – a load mewing sound which will develop as the cubs to continue to grow, reaching its impressive potential after two years of development.
Throughout the first few months of the cubs’ lives, Arya has been watching her babies closely, allowing them to never wander too far. The cubs are continually hungry and demand food from Arya – a challenge she’s risen to well, as each cub is growing and building strength.
Arya continues to keep Mali, Syanii and Shanti firmly within her sight, calling to each cub and bringing them back to her, if they wander too far away for her liking.
Visitors to London Zoo this Father’s Day will be able to spot Bhanu, Arya and the three lion cubs at Land of the Lions. Find out how a visit to London Zoo directly supports the conservation of endangered species and book a ticket now by visiting www.londonzoo.org.
READ MORE: Devastated cat owner reunited with beloved pet after 11 years…but he dies weeks later
