PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo welcomed two new residents as male African lion cubs, Jasiri and Azizi, made their debut in the Predator Passage lion habitat, officials announced Saturday.
Born on June 3, the cubs are the first African lions born at the Phoenix Zoo since 1976. On Friday, the cubs entered their new habitat and began exploring their surroundings with their mother, Zuri.
Zoo visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the playful pair are encouraged to visit in the morning hours when the weather is cooler. The Phoenix Zoo opens at 8 a.m. for members and 9 a.m. for the general public. The cubs are most active in the mornings, often engaging in playful activities before retreating to their nighthouse den for a nap later in the day. However, as they continue to adjust to their new environment, they might not always be visible.
Volunteers will be stationed at the exhibit to answer any questions visitors may have about the cubs.
Facts About Jasiri, Azizi, and Zuri:
- The cubs were born on June 3, 2024, and are now just over four months old.
- Their mother, Zuri, arrived at the Phoenix Zoo in October 2023, along with her sister Kamara.
- The cubs’ names were chosen through a public contest: Jasiri means “brave,” and Azizi means “precious.”
Zoo visitors are excited about the debut of the cubs, adding to the zoo’s ongoing mission to engage and educate the public about wildlife conservation efforts.
