The naming ceremony and public display of six lion cubs born three months ago at the Ridiyagama Safari Park in Ambalantota took place this morning (12) under the patronage of the Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens, R.C. Rajapaksa.
Two lionesses, Lara and her daughter Dora, gave birth to the six cubs. Before naming them, the Zoological Department invited the public to suggest names via Facebook. Approximately 4,000 name suggestions were received, from which six were selected.
Among the cubs, the only male was named Megha, a name suggested by K. Uthum Iduwara from Badalgama, Galle. The five female cubs were named Tara, Aghra, Bhumi, Akira, and Elsa. These names were suggested by Ahimsa Rukshanee, Nemindhi Dehansa, Nishrita Egodagedara from Deraniyagala, Dileesha Saranamana from Panadura, and Dileep Nirmal from Bingiriya, respectively.
A group of individuals who suggested names attended the naming ceremony, and three of them, whose name suggestions were selected, were present at the event. They were presented with gifts.
As a token of appreciation, those who contributed to naming the cubs were given free entry to the Ridiyagama Safari Park along with five family members. Additionally, the Zoological Department arranged for the public display of the cubs.
The event was attended by Assistant Director of the Ridiyagama Safari Park, Kasun Hemantha; Controller (Animals), A.W. Amila Chanaka; Veterinary Officer in Charge, Nadun Kaluarachchi; Senior Controller, Padmal Perera; and other officials.
