3 Lion Cubs Join Busch Gardens

Get ready to tilt your head to one side and say, “Awww!”

Three lion cubs—who rival the cuteness of cheetah Kasi when he was a baby—have joined the animal family at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Two females, who are sisters, were born March 20. A male, who is not related to the sisters, was born Feb. 20.

All three cubs arrived at Busch Gardens May 18 from South Africa and have genetic lines from the Kalahari and Kruger regions, where lions are recognized for their large size and impressive manes on the males, according to a press release from Busch Gardens.

“The addition of the cubs comes as the result of a relationship between Busch Gardens and a private zoological facility in South Africa and enhances the sustainability of lions living in managed care in North America, as well as aids in the park’s breeding program,” the release states.

Once the three new cubs are big enough, the Busch Gardens animal care team will start introducing them to the lion and hyena habitat of the Edge of Africa attraction. Guests will be able to see them there.

Guests will also have the opportunity to help name the two sisters. To vote for your favorite pair of names, visit the Busch Gardens Tampa Facebook page through June 18.

Name options include:

Malaika and Mlinzi

• Malaika means “Angel.” The cub is sweet and loving and displays affection toward training staff.
• Mlinzi meaning “Protector.” The cub is eager to explore and is the first to venture into new environments and experiences.

Shtuko and Shaba

• Shtuko means “Twitch.” The cub is full of personality and bounces around with lots of energy.
• Shaba means “Brazen.” The cub is very sassy and bold and Brazen really describes her.

On Tuesday, the cubs were featured on the TODAY Show. Click here to see their appearance.

More information and updates about the progress of the new cubs will be posted at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com.

Other Busch Gardens news:

• New Busch Gardens ‘Drop Tower’ Will be Tallest in North America

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