Prizes for the winners who named the lion cubs at the zoo

The Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens, established on July 03, 1936, celebrated its proud 90th anniversary on July 03, 2026. Coinciding with this, the names 'Zora' (female) and 'Cairo' (male) were announced for the two lion cubs born at the Dehiwala Zoo, which has won the attraction and love of animal lovers. Prizes were awarded to the winners who suggested these names by Ms. Gabrielle Isaac, Deputy High Commissioner of the New Zealand High Commission. Following a simple ceremony held on this occasion, the lion cubs were released to Lion Island with their mother and were presented for public viewing for the first time.

Veterinarian Chandana Rajapaksha, Director General of Zoological Gardens; H. M. B. P. Herath, Additional Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Environment; Anoma Priyadarshani, Director of Operations, Department of National Zoological Gardens; Janaka Thushara Balasuriya, Director of Administration; Dr. Dhammika Dassanayake, Director of Animal Health and Nutrition; Hemantha Samarasekara, Deputy Director (Dehiwala); A.M.N. D.B. Abeysinghe, Deputy Director of Conservation Laws and International Relations; Dinushika Manawadu, Director of Tourism Promotion and Public Relations; and Piyushiya Samanmali, Assistant Director (Dehiwala), along with a distinguished gathering of officials, participated in this event.

Of the two lion cubs born at the Dehiwala Zoo last December, the female cub was named Zora by Yerusha Manawadu of Minuwangoda, and the male cub was named Cairo by Anne Trisha of Dehiwala, who were the winners.