Lion Cubs Prepare to Meet Their Adoring Fans

Cubs Will Go On Exhibit on January 17 at Event that Includes Name Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2008

Contact:   Diane Paluzzi             

Marketing Manager           

(757) 441-2374 ext 223

diane.paluzzi@norfolk.gov

NORFOLK , VA -- The Virginia Zoo invites Hampton Roads residents to join staff and zoo visitors on Thursday, January 17 as the lion cubs are officially released onto exhibit. The 10:00 a.m. event will include the announcement of the cubs' names and will be held at the Zoo, located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk .

The lion cubs, born August 19, 2007 , 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.”

Selecting the cubs' names was a community effort. After the birth, over 600 suggestions were sent in to the zoo, and zookeepers 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 names will be announced on January 17. The winners who submitted the names will receive an up close and personal meeting with the lion cubs and their parents as well as a $100.00 shopping spree in the Zoo gift shop.

Visitors are invited to attend the ceremony. Admission to the Zoo is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors ages 62 and over, and $5.00 for children ages 2 to 11. For more information, call Diane Paluzzi at (757) 44-2374, ext. 223.

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.

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