The Lion Cubs' Birth

On August 19, 2007 , two lion cubs were born at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk , Virginia . The lioness, Zola, give birth while on exhibit. Although Zola and the male lion, Mramba, had been observed breeding by zoo staff and visitors, the birth was a surprise because Zola had just reached reproductive maturity and had not exhibited signs of pregnancy. Zola prepared a secretive, barely visible “cubbing lair” in dense vegetation in the exhibit.

The cubs and their mother later were moved to an interior den off exhibit to give the babies time to grow and to bond with their parents. This birth represents the first large carnivore birth at the Zoo in 35 years. Fewer than a dozen lion cubs were born in the United States in accredited zoos in 2007. Female lions give birth after a gestation period of 110 days and may have up to four cubs at a time. Litters of two or three are most common.

African Lion Species Survival Plan

As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Virginia Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP program began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America . Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

Currently, 107 SSPs covering 161 individual species are administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium, whose membership includes accredited zoos and aquariums throughout North America . The Virginia Zoo participates in the African Lion SSP which identified Zola and her mate, Mramba, as a perfect genetic breeding match. “This birth represents a very significant addition to the lion genetic pool worldwide,” said Greg Bockheim, the Zoo's executive director.

Lion Cubs' Names

Selecting the cubs' names was a community effort. After the birth, the public was invited to nominate names, and over 600 suggestions were received. Zookeepers and other Zoo staff narrowed the field down to six possibilities: Granby , Taavi or Tonga for the male and Aza, Lulu or Neka for the female. Once again, the selection process was turned over to the community through a naming contest held in December 2007. Hampton Roads residents were invited to vote for their favorite name. A $1.00 donation was requested for each vote, and over $1,200.00 was raised to support animal enrichment and conservation projects.

The winning names are 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.

The Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo first opened its doors to the public in 1901 with a collection of 200 animals. In 2002, the African Okavango Delta exhibit opened, featuring African animals, including the lions. In the next phase of growth, the Zoo broke ground on December 7, 2007 for a new train feature. The C.P. Huntington Zoo Train will carry visitors on a guided tour of the Zoo. In addition, a capital campaign is underway for the Trail of the Tiger expansion which will bring Asia featured exhibits to the Zoo. 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. For more information about the AZA, visit the website at www.aza.org.