ARIZONA NEWS

2 lion cubs make debut into their habitat at Phoenix Zoo

Oct 12, 2024, 8:30 PM | Updated: Oct 13, 2024, 12:21 pm

Lion cubs Phoenix Zoo...

Two male African lion cubs made their debut into the Predator Passage lion habitat at the Phoenix Zoo, authorities said Saturday. (Phoenix Zoo photo)

(Phoenix Zoo photo)

PHOENIX — Two male African lion cubs made their debut into the Predator Passage lion habitat at the Phoenix Zoo, authorities said Saturday.

The cubs, Jasiri and Azizi, entered the habitat on Friday and are getting used to their new surroundings with their mother, Zuri.

The two cubs are the first African lions to be born at the Phoenix Zoo since 1976.

The best time to see the cubs is in the morning hours when it’s cooler outside. The Phoenix Zoo is open at 8 a.m. for Phoenix Zoo members and 9 a.m. for the general public.

They’ll spend much of the mornings playing rambunctiously before going into their nighthouse den for a nap. While the cubs are getting used to their surroundings, they might not be visible.

Volunteers will be stationed at the exhibit to answer questions about the cubs.

Facts about Jasiri, Azizi and Zuri

  • The cubs were born on June 3 and are just over four months old.
  • Zuri arrived in October 2023 along with her sister, Kamara.
  • The cubs were named via a public naming contest
  • Jasiri means “brave”
  • Azizi mean “precious”

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2 lion cubs make debut into their habitat at Phoenix Zoo