What are the names of the lion cubs at the Phoenix Zoo?

After weeks of public voting, the Phoenix Zoo on Tuesday announced the names of two new lion cubs: Jasiri and Azizi.

The zoo described Jasiri, which means “brave” in Swahili, as the darker of the two cubs with a bolder personality. Azizi, which means “precious” in Arabic and Swahili, is said to be more shy and skittish, with lighter blond fur.

The names were selected in a two-week public vote, with over 10,000 votes cast. Voters chose from a list of African-inspired names based on a species of cub (African lion), with Jasiri and Azizi holding the lead throughout the two-week period.

The playful and ever-growing baby penguins will arrive in Predator Passage at the Phoenix Zoo in early October.

The cubs are the first African lions born at the zoo since 1976 and the first litter of their mother, Zuri, who arrived at the zoo in 2023.