A trio of Lion cubs are the most recent addition to Busch
Gardens Tampa. They came all the way from South Africa, arriving on May 18. The
two little sisters were born March 20; the male, who is not related to the
females, was born Feb. 20. All three cubs have genetic lines from the Kalahari
and Kruger regions of South Africa, where Lions are recognized for their large
size and the males' impressive manes.

Now you can help name
the sister cubs! Cast your vote HERE for your favorite of the two pairs of names
they offer, now through Tuesday, June 18. There you can also view a clip of the cubs
on The Today show.

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The addition of the cubs comes as the result of a
relationship between Busch Gardens and a private zoological facility in South
Africa and enhances the sustainability of lions living in managed care in North
America, as well as aids in the park’s breeding program. Lion populations are in sharp decline across Africa. The
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund supports several projects in
Africa, which work to protect and preserve the species.

See more pictures after the fold:

Once big enough, the Animal Care team at Busch Gardens Tampa will start introducing the cubs to the lion and hyena habitat of the Edge of Africa attraction.