2 African lion cubs named, Phoenix Zoo announces

The Phoenix Zoo has officially named its two new African lion cubs, Jasiri and Azizi, following a successful public voting campaign that received over 10,000 votes. The name Jasiri, meaning "brave" in Swahili, has been assigned to the darker cub, known for his bold personality, while Azizi, which translates to "precious" in Arabic and Swahili, describes the lighter-furred cub who is more timid. The public was given a choice of African-inspired names, and Jasiri and Azizi consistently maintained their lead throughout the two-week voting period. These cubs are particularly noteworthy as they mark the first African lions born at the Phoenix Zoo in nearly five decades, with the last births occurring in 1976. Additionally, they are the first litter for their mother, Zuri, who joined the zoo in 2023.

The zoo plans to showcase the playful and growing cubs to the public starting in early October at the Predator Passage exhibit. This event highlights the zoo's commitment to engaging the community and promoting awareness of wildlife. The excitement surrounding the cubs' arrival and naming reflects the public's interest in conservation and animal welfare.