4 months after her start, with greater than a thousand strategies submitted by the general public, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has named its new lion cub simply in time for World Lion Day.
On Aug. 10, the zoo celebrated the day with lion enrichment, story time on the Safari Amphitheater and the reveal of the cub’s title.
With greater than 1,000 strategies to selected from, here is the title keepers picked.
What did Pittsburgh Zoo title its lion cub? What does the title imply?
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s lion cub has been named Kiazi, a reputation chosen from the 1,141 strategies submitted by the general public due to the cub’s household historical past and her African heritage, zoo officers stated in an Aug. 10 press launch.
The title Kiazi is the Swahili phrase for “potato,” paying homage to the cub’s father, Hondo, who initially got here from Idaho Falls Zoo.
“Since she is Hondo’s first offspring and he’s from Idaho, keepers cherished the title,” stated Assistant Curator of Mammals Karen Vacco. “Hondo’s little Idaho potato!”
How a lot did cash did Pittsburgh Zoo increase? The place will it go?
For $5 per title, members of the general public might submit their title strategies for Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s lion cub earlier this summer season.
The zoo obtained 1,141 strategies, totaling $5,705 in donations, zoo officers stated. These funds will go towards supporting the lions and the opposite animals that decision the zoo and aquarium dwelling.
When can I see Pittsburgh Zoo’s lion cub?
After spending the previous a number of months in an space behind the scenes along with her mom, Scarlett, Kiazi will be seen out and about in her habitat as of Aug. 10.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s lion cub Kiazi, pictured with mother Scarlett, made her public debut on Aug. 10.
When was the Pittsburgh Zoo lion cub born?
Kiazi was born on April 5 to first-time mother and father Hondo and Scarlett.
Lion cubs are just like home kittens at start, in that they are born blind and their eyes open inside a few week or two, the zoo stated in a earlier press launch. They typically come into the world weighing about two or three kilos.
The brand new cub’s arrival marks the primary time Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has had a lion start since July 2020, when lioness Abana mothered three cubs.
Are African lions endangered?
African lions are thought of susceptible, zoo officers stated, including that their inhabitants has decreased by 50% over the past 25 years due to habitat loss, lack of prey and conflicts between people and lions.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s lion cub Kiazi, pictured with mother Scarlett, made her public debut on Aug. 10.
African lions are one of many many species with an Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. Which means AZA group works collaboratively to develop and handle a genetically numerous, wholesome, demographically various inhabitants of lions exterior of the wild.
“Each lion cub start is important to the long-term survival of the species, and every one represents hope for the long run,” Vacco stated. “We hope Kiazi evokes zoo company to be taught extra about lions and defend them within the wild.”
How a lot do Pittsburgh Zoo tickets price?
Tickets to go to the zoo now by way of Sept. 30 price between $25 and $36, relying on the particular ticket you go for. Costs fluctuate primarily based on company’ ages and included experiences.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Join Reporter for the USA TODAY Community. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Lion cub’s title pays homage to heritage. See her now at Pittsburgh Zoo