Lion Cubs Meet Their Adoring Fans

Cubs Go On Exhibit January 17

NORFOLK , VA – The Virginia Zoo is pleased to announce a special New Year's gift to the community – lion cubs Granby and Neka. The cubs were officially released onto exhibit on Thursday, January 17. Born on August 19, 2007 , 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 cubs are very popular,” notes Greg Bockheim, the Zoo's executive director. “People have been following their story in the media and our newsletter since their birth and have been logging onto our website to get a peak with the ‘cub cam'. Their zookeepers report that the cubs are very playful and like harassing their parents. They seem to particularly enjoy pulling on their father Mramba's mane. Despite the cubs' high energy high jinks, Zola and Mramba are proving to be patient, attentive parents.

“We are delighted to make the cubs available to the community,” adds Bockheim. “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 rare opportunity available to Hampton Roads residents – a 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.