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Why the Pittsburgh Zoo's New Lion Cub Was Named After a Potato
The contest drew 1,141 name entries and raised $5,705 for the zoo’s conservation efforts, officials said.
- On Monday, Pittsburgh Zoo officials introduced its 3-month-old African lion cub to the public, officially naming her Kiazi. Born April 5 to mother Scarlett and father Hondo, the playful cub greeted visitors for the first time.
- A 'Dub the Cub' naming contest concluded July 17, generating 1,141 suggestions in exchange for $5 donations. The zoo raised $5,705 to support conservation efforts and animal care initiatives.
- The name Kiazi means "potato" in Swahili, a Bantu language spoken across East and Central Africa where Scarlett is from. "Since she is Hondo's first offspring and he is from Idaho, keepers loved the name," says assistant curator Karen Vacco.
- Zoo officials intentionally timed the announcement for World Lion Day to celebrate the species and educate the public on conservation threats. The birth marks a major victory for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Lion Species Survival Plan.
- African Lion populations have declined nearly 50% over the last three decades, making conservation efforts critical. The Pittsburgh Zoo participates in the African Lion SAFE program, which balances the needs of lions and their habitats with local community interests.
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'Hondo's Little Potato': Pittsburgh Zoo unveils lion cub 'Kiazi' in homage to her Idaho roots
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium officially introduced a four-month-old African lion cub named Kiazi on Monday, timed with World Lion Day. Named "potato" in Swahili to honor her father Hondo’s Idaho roots.
·Idaho Falls, United States
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What Is the Name of the Pittsburgh Zoo’s Baby Lion Cub?
PHOTO BY OLLIE GRATZINGER | HONDO WITH HIS CUB, KIAZI, WHO ZOO OFFICIALS CALL “HIS LITTLE IDAHO POTATO.” The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s newest resident officially has a name. At a press event on Monday, zoo officials introduced its 3-month-old African lion cub to the public for the first time. After months of anticipation, attendees met Kiazi, a playful and fast little lady who could be seen pouncing on her patient parents, Scarlett and Hondo, …
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Total News Sources34
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center32Last UpdatedBias Distribution97% Center
Bias Distribution
- 97% of the sources are Center
97% Center
C 97%
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