The Pride of Hampton Roads Goes Onto Exhibit

Names of lion cubs born at the Virginia Zoo announced at ceremony on January 17

NORFOLK , VA – As a special New Year's gift to the community, lion cubs born at the Virginia Zoo in August have been officially released onto exhibit. At the ceremonial opening of the exhibit, the names of the cubs also were announced. The male cub has been named Granby , and the female is Neka. Born on August 18, the cubs were the first large carnivore birth at the Virginia Zoo in 35 years. Since their birth, they have been kept off exhibit to give them time to grow and to bond with their mother, Zola, and father, Mramba.

“The weather today was chilly and rainy, but the cubs seemed delighted with the attention,” reports Greg Bockheim, executive director. “They were very playful and seemed just as interested in looking at the visitors and reporters as all of us were in seeing them. Mom, Zola, and Dad, Mramba, kept a close eye on the cubs during the event.

“We are delighted to make Granby and Neka available to the community,” he adds. “They are a wonderful addition to the Zoo and we feel sure that visitors will enjoy watching them grow up. In addition to this gift, we also were able to make a rare opportunity available to Hampton Roads residents – the chance to name the cubs.”

Selecting the names was a community effort. After the birth, over 600 suggestions were sent in to the zoo, and zookeepers and other Zoo staff narrowed the field to six possibilities: Granby , Taavi or Tonga for the male and Aza, Lulu or Neka for the female.

The final section was made by the community through a naming contest held in December. A $1.00 donation was requested for each vote, and over $1,200.00 was raised to support animal enrichment and conservation projects. The final decision, based on a majority vote, was Granby for the male and Neka for the female. Mary Beth Sherwin of Norfolk originally nominated the name “ Granby ,” and Sandy Crook of Norfolk nominated “Neka.”

As an award for selecting the winning names, each will receive an up close and personal, behind the scenes tour with the lion cubs and their parents as well as a $100.00 shopping spree in the Zoo gift shop.

As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( AZA ) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk . Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.