(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Lincoln Park Zoo’s new lion cub has a name, and it’s a spicy one.
Zoo officials announced this week that the cub born March 15 to mom Zari and dad Jabai has been named Pilipili, which means “pepper” in Swahili. The name also honors the philanthropic family behind the new Pepper Family Wildlife Center where the lions reside.
The young lion recently underwent his first veterinary exam, where his gender was confirmed, zoo officials said.
“As the cub grows, he has become more curious and active and has been surpassing critical milestones such as leaving the den box and eating solid foods,” Curator of Mammals Mike Murray said in a news release. “Zari, a first-time mom, has provided incredible maternal care to the cub from nursing to grooming.”
Pilipili weighed 2 pounds at birth but now weighs about 16 pounds. He’ll remain behind the scenes until being introduced to the rest of the pride.
