Photo by Mary Ellen Sheets
Thanks to some creative thinking on the part of Seneca Park Zoo fans from all over the country, the Zoo’s three African lions now have names! A press conference to announce the names was held today in A Step Into Africa. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks presided over the event at which those responsible for the winning submissions were honored with a complimentary Seneca Park Zoo Household Basic membership and a matted photo of the lion they helped to name.
The names chosen represent the overwhelmingly positive response to the arrival of these majestic creatures to our community. Our larger female lioness, the most outgoing of the group, now bears the name Zuri which means “beautiful” in Swahili. The smaller lioness, the most mischievous of the trio, is called Asha, the Swahili word for “life.” And the male lion has been named Chester in honor of the city the lions now call home.
“The combination of these three names is what truly stood out to our judges,” said Rachel Baker August, Executive Director of the Seneca Park Zoo Society. ” When said together, people can walk away saying, ‘It’s a beautiful life in Rochester.’ “
Congratulations to our winners! Be sure to stop by the Seneca Park Zoo to say “hello” to Zuri, Asha, and Chester, as well as the rest of the animals. The Zoo is open year-round so plan a visit today!
- Michele Schepisi-Ritchie, Receptionist
