Lion Cubs Turn One
Posted at 4:26 pm November 10, 2008 by Amy Whidden Winter
Ingozi dashes over to see what Kaya has.
Oshana’s boy Zawadi is the biggest of all the cubs. Weighing in at 198 pounds (90 kilograms), he is quite the presence. He has a laid-back demeanor with the keepers and with the other cubs most of the time, but he can be quite the lion when he wants something. When he sets his sights on a toy or food item, he doesn’t hesitate to muscle his way in; usually with one or two hearty growls he manages to take whatever object he desires. He’s a handsome guy with a blond mane sprouting from his wide head and just the hint of a dark mane on his throat and chest. His eyes are light brown with a gold tint that blends with his golden coat color. He looks so much like his older half brother Kamau, at times. When looking at Zawadi it is almost like looking back in time when Kamau was his age.
Laini and Ingozi inspect a colorfully wrapped treat.
My favorite Ekundu story happened a while ago. It was the first time Nyack, our hand-raised cub (see blog, New Cub Joins Lion Camp Pride) was allowed to have a rabbit with all the other cubs. Nyack walked into the large chute area with his rabbit in his mouth. All the other cubs were busy munching their rabbits and Nyack walked by each one cautiously. He came up to his best friend Ingozi; Nyack appeared to be proudly showing him his rabbit. Ingozi snarled and batted the rabbit out of Nyack’s mouth, put his paw over his new acquisition, and growled harshly at Nyack. Nyack seemed confused and frightened; he retreated to the end of the chute, huddled in the corner, and bellowed a low long cry over and over. Ekundu came out from an adjoining room and looked down the chute at Ingozi holding two rabbits and Nyack crying in the corner. Ekundu then strolled over to Ingozi and, quick as can be, snatched a rabbit away from Ingozi, marched it down the chute, dropped it right in front of Nyack, and then turned and walked away. If I hadn’t seen this with my own eyes I don’t think I would have believed it!
Ingozi pounces on a cardboard critter.
Oshana’s other daughter, Laini, is one of the biggest females, weighing in at 160 pounds (73 kilograms). She’s smart and very communicative. Laini will greet her keepers with a hearty snarl and hiss, only to offer intense focus when asked to cooperate with learning new behaviors. She’s a quick learner and will watch her trainer intently, waiting for her next cue. Although she is almost 10 pounds heavier than her sister, Tamu, they look so much alike we sometimes have to look them in the face to tell “who is who.” Laini is stubborn when asked to come down off one of the high benches and shift to another room, but cooperates quickly when asked at a training session.
At 168 pounds (77 kilograms), Mina’s daughter Sarabi is the heaviest of all the female cubs. Lighter, almost gray in color, her square jowls and slender muzzle make her look older than her one year. As a young cub she seemed like a “tough girl,” warning off the boys and greeting her keepers with a hiss and a snarl. As she’s gotten older, she doesn’t appear to be quite as brave. When new enrichment is placed in one of the rooms, she seems leery and usually waits for another cub to investigate before she moves in to check it out. Sarabi is more trusting and curious with her keepers and will approach, although cautiously, when a keeper presents an unusual item, usually to assist in training.
Mina’s other daughter Kaya weighs 160 pounds (73 kilograms). She’s light in color like her sister and shares the same medium brown eyes. Kaya seems like she has a busy mind, an independent thinker like her Aunt Oshana, often appearing to be more concerned with what another cub is doing instead of what she is doing. Kaya is bold with new objects and is often one of the first ones to explore new enrichment items. She is playful and will hoard bones, or especially good enrichment items, from the other cubs. When approached by another cub intent on taking a toy or bone away, Kaya can turn into a pure lioness, growling, snarling, and holding on with muscles and claws.
Ingozi is Mina’s only boy, weighing 165 pounds (75 kilograms); he is the second smallest of all the male cubs. He has a sweet, almost comical disposition. Ingozi is shorter in stature and has dark brown, wide-set eyes, giving him a gentle appearance. His right upper lip is often caught on his teeth, allowing the tip of his tongue to stick out between his lips. He is cooperative with his training but quite independent. Ingozi was the first cub introduced to Nyack (our hand-raised cub) and still will call out to him if Nyack is shifted into another room out of Ingozi’s sight. The two cubs often sleep next to each other.
Nyack is 163 pounds (74. kilograms); he is one month younger than the other cubs and yet weighs only 2 pounds (0.91 kilograms) less than his cousin, Ingozi. Nyack is one of the pride of cubs. He is quite independent and fits in well with all the cubs. His mane has been coming in dark and shaggy, yet he still has spots on his legs and his face. His head is long and narrower with almost a “Roman-type” profile. He has become very possessive of his food and will fight anyone who tries to take a taste. Nyack and Ingozi are almost constant companions, with Sarabi often found resting with them. Nyack seems quite taken with her and will walk in front of her, waving his favorite toy (an old phonebook) in an attempt to get her to follow him and play.
These cubs grow and change daily. What a fun experience it has been to observe this process. I can hardly wait to see what happen next!
Amy Whidden Winter is a keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
Moderator’s note: We celebrated the first birthdays of all eight cubs on Tuesday, November 11. There was a frozen cake and other frozen treats for the cubs, as well as cardboard critters for them to play with, made by the Park’s Conservation Corps students. The next “party” for the cubs will be on Sunday, November 16. It is for the Conservation Corps; as they were unable to attend the festivities on Tuesday, we are having them come and place the rest of their enrichment animals on exhibit for the cubs. The keepers are going to add a few bloodsicles, too! It should all be happening around 9:30 a.m.
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November 11th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Is there going to be some video of their birthday party for those of us who cannot make it there ?
Moderator’s note: YES!
November 11th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Oh what a delightful blog!
I hope we can see some new pics of the cubs!
November 11th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
thanks for the update…like I said I love reading SDZ blogs because I wish I could be there..I can’t seem to figure out the time for you to write I bet your as busy there..
November 11th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
does MArcia redding still work with the lions? is she even at the park?
Moderator’s note: Marcia still works at the Park, but is now one of two principle okapi keepers, so she doesn’t work at Lion Camp as regularly as before.
November 11th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I was there today,and I can tell you that it was a truly oustanding, exciting event to witness! Several keepers were there to talk to us and share stories, even before the cubs came out. All the cubs had such a great time, they loved their “birthday cakes” and b-day presents. When I have been there on other occasions, they are often taking naps by 10 or 10:30. When I left about 2 pm today, they were just beginning to settle in for naps. They had such a fun, exciting day! And it was certainly a lot of fun for all the visitors. Everybody was so excited to see them. My friend and I had planned the trip for today about a week ago. Then when I read here last night that the birthday party was today, I was so excited that we had such good luck. I understand there will be another birthday party Saturday so the kids who made the cardboard critters will be able to witness the cubs’ exploration and fun with them. I’m less than 2 hours away, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m there Saturday to witness and participate in all this fun again.
Thank you to all the lion keepers at the Park for all that you do to enrich the lives of these wondrous, magnificient animals!!
November 12th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Thanks for the update, Amy. I was there in July and taken round to see them behind the scenes. I fell in love with Nyack. Hope their birthday party went well and I shall look forward to the video.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:33 am
The next “party” for the cubs will be on Sunday, November 16, (not Saturday). It is for the Conservation Corps students; they made the cardboard animals we used as enrichment for the first party and were unable to attend the festivities on Tuesday, so we are having them come and place the rest of their enrichment animals on exhibit for the cubs. We (the keepers) are going to add a few bloodsicles too! It should all be happening around 9:30 a.m.
November 12th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Amy,
Thanks so much for clarifying the date of the next birthday party for the cubs.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Aw, man. I have a meeting at work up in LA County on Sunday at the same exact time. The joys of working retail. When is the next *orangutan* birthday party? Now, they know how to partay. Happy belated b-days, big cats.
November 15th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Hi Amy – What a wonderful and informative blog. I especially appreciated your description of each lion, including his or her personality and weight. We always enjoy visiting the rambunctious lions at the Lion Camp. I enjoyed your Ekundu story concerning Nyack and Ingozi – it was very sweet.
We were not able to visit the lions on their birthday last week. However, we plan on attending tomorrow’s festivities, Sunday, Nov. 16 @ 9:30 AM.
While visiting the lions this past August, they were not as frisky as usual due to the hot summer sun – instead, they enjoyed lounging in the shade.
Thank you Amy for your great care of all these majestic animals.
November 18th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I was lucky enough to see the second birthday celebration for the cubs on 11/16/08 and enjoyed myself so much it was hard to leave. I was wondering if it was possible to post current photos of each cub on your website. Nyack was easy to spot but who I thought was Ingozi may not have been. I would love to be able to tell them apart or at least get an idea of what each cub looks like now. I read your recent entry that gave a slight description of each cub but a photo would help me better tell them apart. Thank you from a truly happy lion lover.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Hi Amy,
We attended the lion cubs birthday party this past Sunday and it was a huge success! When we arrived, a large group of Conservation Corp students was setting up the lion’s exhibit. They did a great job positioning the painted “cardboard critters”, and carefully placing the frozen treats throughout the camp. Also, a few pumpkins were placed on logs and in the tall grass. Once the students were safely out of the exhibit, the lions made their grand entrance.
The eight spectacular lion cubs slowly entered the grounds and immediately began to cautiously investigate the area and search for the hidden treats. I was hoping they would find the frozen treats before they melted.
The lions made short work of the cardboard critters. The cardboard had been painted with bone marrow; so, they first licked off the bone marrow then toppled the critters and tore them apart. At one point, we saw a female lion pick up one of the pumpkins. She carried it over to two lions that were lying in the grass near a tree log and placed it next to them as if to say “hey guys I brought you a special treat”. It was so very cute. Fortunately, my husband took many photos of this wonderful party so that we can remember each exciting moment.
I saw that Nyack has a strip of dark hair that stands up on his head – resembling a mini-mohawk.
He is so very sweet and very easy to identify. By the way Amy, your description of Nyack having a “Roman” profile is perfect – we noticed it immediately – he’s truly very unique. Also, I believe I was able to identify Zawadi, a large majestic looking male lion. He is very handsome indeed.
After the lions totally ripped the cardboard critters to pieces, enjoyed searching and locating all the hidden treats, most settled down for a nap while a few investigated the “Rover” for more treats.
The students filled the viewing area and cheered the lions on. They were shouting,” look under the log” – “you missed one, go back”. They really livened things up and made the event even more enjoyable.
Thank you Amy and the Lion Camp staff for all your hard work and dedication to these gorgeous animals. Last, but not least, thanks to the Park’s Conservation students for their participation on this happy occasion.
It was a wonderful day!
December 9th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Hi Amy,
I was born in San Diego but grew up in Vista. I was just reading through the blogs here. They’re very interesting. I love big cats very much. I live in Wisconsin. I’d love to come out to visit the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the zoo and Sea World sometime in the future. I miss those sights very much. I love animals very much and I collect them too. Well, Take care!
Joel Cawthon
Port Washington WI
December 12th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
i love izu, mina,oshana, zawadi, kamau, ekundu, nyack, ngozi, tamu, laini, sarabi, kaya,
January 29th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I heard three of the cubs are leaving soon. Have they already left and how much longer will the others be at lion camp?
Moderator’s note: Three of the young lions (we can’t really call them “cubs” anymore!) have moved to other zoos: Ingozi to Saint Louis Zoo, Tamu and Laini to Jacksonville Zoo, and Kaya to Reid Park Zoo. Sarabi, Zawadi, and Ekundu have new homes assigned but have not moved yet. And we await news from the Lion Species Survival Plan for placement of Nyack.
February 11th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Wow, it’s February and almost Valentine’s. How is Nyack doing now. And does he still live at WAP? Hoping for a keeper update. We’re bringing our grandson, Nyack, to visit in a week. He needs to see Nyack in action. Yup, the name is the same. Our Nyack is almost four years old.
Moderator’s note: Yes, Nyack is still at Lion Camp.
March 16th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Any updates on Sarabi, Zawadi, Ekundu, and Nyack and where they will be moving to? It is hard to believe they are all “grown up” and off to their new life and new mates. It seems like their older siblings just left.
We get all choked up about Panda cubs being weaned and separated from Bai Yun, but at least they stick around for a couple of years. Since there are more lion cubs born at a time, it is understandable why they need to move on faster.
Any news about lion or tiger pregnancies for 2009?
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:54 am
Keepers used to give a talk on weekends at 11:30 at Lion Camp but I haven’t seen that on the WAP schedule for several months. Will you resume having regular talks any time soon? I hope so because they’re enjoyable and informative.
On my last few visits, only the young males have been out, and not Sarabi. Is she too old to be out with the males?
April 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Susan (San Diego)
We will be resuming some type of interaction between some animals and keepers with our guests this summer.
Sarabi went to her new home in Oregon in February. We were all so happy to meet her new keepers when they came to pick her up. I am working on a new blog updating our cubs and their new homes. I will get it out as soon as I can!
April 11th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
This is an older blog, but in case the cubs keepers follow up on older ones I wanted to let them know that I’m happy to know that I’ll be able to visit Kaya, who has come to Tucson. I hope she adjusts to her new home quickly. Did she have a keeper escort on her trip from the Park to Tucson?
I’m sorry that Kaya had to leave such a fantastic environment and exhibit, but we are happy to host her in Tucson!
Stephanie
April 27th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Ingozi is a gorgeous lion. I live in St Louis where hs is now and I spent a lot of time at the zoo and do some volunteer work as a photographer. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite cats. I cannont wait to watch him grow up and become as handsome as his father Izu.
April 29th, 2009 at 6:58 am
please help!how many lions r at the zoo?
Moderator’s note: There are currently two lionesses at the San Diego Zoo. You can read about them here: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/golden-girls-in-their-golden-years/
A lion pair from the Zoo’s Wild Animal Park will soon be moving into the Zoo’s new Elephant Odyssey exhibit, which will open to the public May 23.
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
The pair moving from the Wild Animal Park to Elephant Odyssey wouldn’t be M’bari and Etosha would it?
Moderator’s note: It would!
May 4th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Words cannot express how excited I am about finally meeting these two. Since they were not on exhibit at the WAP I’ve never seen them. I’ve only read about them. I’m quite fond of their little Nyack and it will be such a joy to finally meet his parents.
I know they were born in Africa and came over to San Diego with Izu, Mina, O’shana and Tomo. Can you tell me M’bari and Etosha’s dates of birth? Thanks so much for making me one happy lady!! I can’t hardly wait for May 23rd.
Moderator’s note: Etosha was born on Oct. 15, 2003 and M’Bari was born Nov. 28, 2003.
May 4th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
That is very interesting. So since they have the same birthday am I right in thinking Etosha is Izu’s sister and M’Bari is big brother to Mina and O’Shana?
Moderator’s note: Yes, Izu and Etosha are siblings from one litter, and M’bari, Oshana, and Mina are siblings from a different litter.
July 25th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I know this is an old email but since there have been no new ones of the lions I’ll ask my question here. I was told today that Nyack and Ekundu are scheduled to go to a zoo in Hawaii. Can you tell me if they are going to the same zoo, which one and on what island? Also when are they going? Thank you
Amy responds: The Honolulu Zoo has some construction projects pending on their lion exhibit so the shipment has been delayed. We still are hoping that both boys will be able to go together, but we will have to wait and see.
August 14th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Please do an update on the lion cubs. Are they scheduled to go to new homes? Together or separately? Are they all still together or separated from adults, or males from females, etc? Is Nyack still with the other cubs? Will he remain at WAP or is he moving elsewhere, and when?
I just got a closeup look at Luke at NZP, whom I haven’t seen for many months. He has a beautiful mane now that he is 3 almost 4. It made me wonder if any of Izu’s cubs have started to develop manes. Izu may have some competition for handsomeest lion soon.
September 10th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Amy!
Michelle here from the Oregon Zoo! I have misplaced your e mail and wanted to give you an update and send photos of your big beautiful boy! He is getting along great with his two girl friends and they have moved into their permanent home!
Drop me a line and I will send pictures!
Michelle
October 5th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Have Ekundu and Nyack been moved to the Honolulu Zoo yet? If so, how are they doing?
Moderator’s note: Ekundu is already at the Honolulu Zoo; Nyack was scheduled to go there this month. I’ll see if he has left yet.
October 6th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Thank you for the update on Ekundu. I’ll wait to hear on Nyack. I’ve been to the Honolulu Zoo and can picture both of them enjoying themselves on the Island of Oahu. I’ll have to make another trip over there to visit them.
Moderator’s note: I was misinformed. Ekundu and Nyack are still at the Wild Animal Park. They are slated to go to the Honolulu Zoo in spring 2010. That zoo has delayed the shipment due to exhibit construction.
October 11th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Great, thank’s for the update. I hope I get to see them one more time before they officially head out. I was wondering if someone could tell me about Tango. She is the lion at the San Diego Zoo next to the bears. I know her sister Mweezi died a short time ago and since I didn’t see Tango on Saturday I was just wondering how she’s doing now that she is alone. Appreciate the update.
Moderator’s note: Animal Care Manager Nicki Boyd says: “Tango is doing well and adjusted better than the keeper thought she would to being alone. She gets a lot more enrichment and bones now, things she couldn’t have with Mweezi around (due to her digestion problems), so the keeper is getting to give her some fun stuff. She is still an old cat but seems to be doing really well.”
October 25th, 2009 at 9:55 am
So as of right now, this is where all the cubs are?
Ingozi – St Louis Zoo
Zawadi – Oregon Zoo
Sarabi – Oregon Zoo
Kaya – Reid Park Zoo
Tamu – Jacksonville Zoo
Laini – Jacksonville Zoo
Ekundu – SDWAP
Nyack – SDWAP
Animal Care Staff responds: Correct except for Sarabi, now at Wildlife Safari in Oregon, not the Oregon Zoo.