Meet our new lion twins. Six Flags Wild Safari is proud to announce the birth of two rare African lion cubs, Bakari and Zahra.

The cubs were the first lions born at the park in nearly 20 years. On March 12, they made their national debut on TODAY. As part of that appearance, TODAY held an online contest to name the cubs. Choices included Bobo and Aisha, Kali and Lulu or Bakari and Zahra. All of the name selections have deeper meaning. Bobo is "child born on Tuesday" and Aisha represents hope. Kali is strong and Lulu means pearl. Bakari is defined as promising and Zahra means flowering.

The male and female cubs were born in the African Section of the safari to first time mother Nala and father King. The Safari staff observes all births and conducts baby-wellness checks. Our animal experts try to maintain a hands-off operation to allow nature to take its course, but sometimes inexperienced mothers can become overwhelmed and abandon their cubs. When we noticed that Nala wasn't nursing, we stepped in to keep the cubs healthy.

In the last three decades, the lion population has declined approximately 90% due mostly to habitat destruction, lack of prey, human expanion and hunting. The Six Flags Wild Safari staff is proud to welcome the newborns to the park's previous population of seven lions.

The cubs are currently relocated in the nursery. Once they can care for themselves, they will be
re-introduced into the lion pride in the African Section. We invite you to come see Bakari and Zahra this spring at the Safari's Exploration Station.