Audubon Zoo Announces Names for Lion Cub Trio
The three little lion cubs at Audubon Zoo now have names. The cubs were born October 19, 2025, and are growing and showing their personalities more by the day.
The girls are named Nandi and Zawadi.
· Nandi is a Zulu name which means sweet, joyful and happy. So far, this little cub is certainly living up to her name as she plays with her siblings.
· Zawadi is a Swahili name which means gift. This name is often given to children as a symbol of blessing.
The little male cub is named Tatu.
· Tatu is another Swahili name which means “three”. This is the first time Audubon Zoo has successfully raised three African lion cubs, so his name is symbolic of that milestone.
This is the second litter of cubs for mom, Kali and dad, Arnold. Kali is spending time behind the scenes with the cubs as they continue to grow and develop. They are becoming more mobile, and keepers say the trio is busy exploring their den. Kali visits with the rest of the pride for short periods, but the cubs will remain safely inside their den until they are older.
African lions are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which is key to having a healthy, genetically diverse population of lions.
“Our team’s passion, dedication, and relentless work are helping protect endangered species and save animals around the world,” says Michael Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. “Every lion cub birth is vital to the long-term survival of the species, and each one represents hope for the future."
Over the past 25 years, Africa has lost nearly half of its lion population, driven by shrinking prey availability, habitat destruction, and increased poaching.
African lions are an AZA SAFE Species, and as part of that distinction, AZA institutions are partnering with organizations in Africa to mitigate conflict between farmers and lions, increase monitoring of the lion population’s numbers, and address the continued loss of habitat important for lions.
“These little ones represent everything we love about their species and are wonderful ambassadors for lions everywhere,” said local philanthropist Joy Bollinger, who along with husband Boysie Bollinger, generously helped create the Zoo’s lion habitat. “We love the names that were chosen as they honor the beauty and majesty of Africa, and our hope is that these cubs inspire generations of Zoo visitors to learn about lions and safeguard them in the wild.”
The cubs will stay in their behind-the-scenes den for several more weeks until they are older and fully vaccinated. Audubon Nature Institute’s social media is posting regular “CUBdates” providing photos and video of the trio as they grow.