08/12/2026
After weeks of anticipation, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is pleased to announce both the official August 10 public debut and name of our female African lion cub.
With great pride, we introduce: Kiazi!
Kiazi was selected as a fitting name as it pays tribute to the language of the African lion’s native range, as well as the cub’s family history. It is the Swahili word for “potato,” a nod to her father, Hondo, who came to Pittsburgh from the Idaho Falls Zoo. “Since she is Hondo’s first offspring and he is from Idaho, keepers loved the name,” says Assistant Curator of Mammals Karen Vacco. “Hondo’s little Idaho potato!”
Pittsburgh Zoo friends submitted a total of 1,141 thoughtful, thematic, funny, beautiful, and heartwarming potential names for the bouncing bundle of fur, which netted $5,705 to help support Kiazi, the lions, and all the incredible animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. The Zoo is grateful to all who contributed suggestions to christen our cub and to the community for continuing to participate in building a future for wildlife. Learn more about Kiazi here: https://ow.ly/5hnR50Zy9b1
