Two of the three lion cubs born at the Dallas Zoo (Images: Facebook/Dallas Zoo)
An African lioness gave birth to three cubs at the Dallas Zoo in Texas in the United States last month, marking the first litter of lions the center has welcomed in 46 years.
The babies—one male and two females—were born to a lioness named Bahati on Aug. 17 via Caesarean section.
The zoo posted photos of the three cubs on its Facebook page last Tuesday, Sept. 8. The center’s zoologists have named them according to their personalities and “unique circumstance.”
“The first cub, a male, will be called Izwi (IS-we), which means ‘vocal’ in the Shona language of Zimbabwe,” it said. “Izwi came into this world with a strong personality and a lot to say!”
“The second cub has been named Ilola (ee-LOH-la), meaning ‘to become strong’ in the Sesotho language of South Africa,” the zoo said.
It explained that Ilola had to undergo weeks of physical therapy to address developmental issues in her legs. The zoo did not detail the specific problems, but described her recovery as an “incredible story,” which they will explain in the future.
Meanwhile, the third cub will be called Tadala (ta-DAH-la). The word means “we have been blessed” in the southeast African Chewa language.
The zoologists came up with the name since they were unaware of a third cub during the initial ultrasounds and were thrilled to eventually see Tadala.
Bahati and her children will be kept “behind the scenes” in their den for a few weeks as they continue to grow and bond with one another. Once they are ready, the cubs will be introduced to the public and their father Kijani, aunt Jasiri and grandmother Lina. /ra
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