Pilipili reminds us of the importance of conserving these majestic carnivores in Tanzania, a commitment Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to.” Murray continued, “We’re looking forward to Pilipili exploring the outdoor habitat at Pepper Family Wildlife Center in the coming weeks and to share this incredible cub with Chicago. Pilipili will remain behind the scenes for the coming weeks as he continues to grow and is introduced to the rest of the pride. Weighing roughly 2 pounds at birth, Pilipili now weighs in around 16 pounds.

The cub is doing well and remains in good health. “Zari, a first-time mom, has provided incredible maternal care to the cub from nursing to grooming.” “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,” said Curator of Mammals Mike Murray. Lincoln Park Zoo is excited to share, after the African lion cub’s first routine veterinary exam, the cub is male and has been named Pilipili ! The cub’s name means “pepper” in Swahili and honors the Pepper family, whose generous donation enabled the transformation of the historic lion house into Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

Baby lion in hindi