Have some lion cubs from Lincoln Park Zoo last spring. Amazing to think these boys must be almost full-sized cats by now!
Their names are Pesho, Sidai, and Lomelok. Anyone able to ID who is who in the photos for me? They're pictured here with mother Zari and father Jabari.
I always love it when zoos choose to find culturally relevant names for their animals (aka not using babynames.com) and these boys are a lovely example of doing it right. According to the announcement by the zoo, "the cubs were named in partnership with several Ilchokuti (Ill-cho-koo-tee) or 'lion guardians' who are Maasai community members that work in Tanzania alongside Lincoln Park Zoo’s partner, KopeLion." They're named in the Maa language: "Pesho translates to an unexpected gift, while Sidai, means good like 'good food' or 'good lion' and Lomelok means sweet."
Future Leader of the Pride by David & Shiela Glatz
Via Flickr:
These young Lion cubs (Panthera leo) emerged from their hiding place just before sunset, there were 5 cubs in total. The standing cat clearly established its leadership qualities. Their massive Dad was relaxing under a tree, across the ravine from their hiding place, ready to pounce on anything that messed with his kids. Masai Mara, Kenya.