PREVIEW

A lion is preparing for England's first EURO's game and Father's Day with his three lions.

London Zoo announced today the names of its three 13-week-old Asiatic lion cubs. Mali (male), Syanii (male), and Shanti (female) were born at the conservation zoo on 13 March 2024 to seven-year-old mum Arya and 14-year-old dad Bhanu.

Schoolchildren, supported by London Zoo’s corporate partner Liontrust, provided the names after schools across the UK submitted their suggestions to suit these spirited cubs. The final three names were decided by Times Radio listeners, giving much-anticipated names to the zoo’s young Asiatic lions.

For each name, the participating schoolchildren provided reasons: Latin-derived Mali alludes to the endangered status of Asiatic lions in the wild, Syanii is a reinterpretation of the Bengali name Savani, and Shanti means “peace” in the Indo-Aryan language Gujarati.

The 13-week-old cubs have captured the hearts of the zoo’s visitors as the feisty trio grow from strength to strength, each developing distinct personalities. London Zoo’s lion keepers have found Syanii to be the group’s natural leader, the first to take bold, inquisitive steps around his rural Indian-inspired paddock and leading the way for his more trepidatious siblings. Shanti is curious and playful, with an enthusiasm for climbing, while both boys have already proven themselves to be doting big brothers.

“The addition of these three lion cubs to Bhanu and Arya’s family is hugely exciting for all of us at the zoo and a great conservation achievement,” said lion keeper Martin O’Sullivan.

“Asiatic lions are an endangered species in the wild, with population numbers thought to be around 600-700, so three new lion cubs are a critical step toward building a strong reserve population to protect the species.

“The Asiatic lions here at London Zoo are sponsored by Liontrust, whose support for our work benefits the conservation breeding programme of this endangered species. Liontrust spearheaded a campaign to find names for these cubs, and we’re delighted by the results of the nationwide vote.”

Visitors to the zoo have been delighted to hear all three cubs practising their roar - a loud mewing sound that will develop as the cubs continue to grow, reaching its impressive potential after two years of development.

Throughout the first few months of the cubs’ lives, Arya has been watching her babies closely, never allowing them to wander too far. The cubs are continually hungry and demand food from Arya - a challenge she’s risen to well, as each cub is growing and building strength. Arya continues to keep Mali, Syanii, and Shanti firmly within her sight, calling to each cub and bringing them back if they wander too far away for her liking.