Leo, Nayla are the latest attractions at TVM Zoo; Minister names new lion, lioness

Thiruvananthapuram: After much suspense, Kerala Minister for Animal Husbandry J Chinchu Rani announced the new names of the lion and lioness, which were brought to the zoo in Thiruvananthapuram, the other day. They were officially named Leo and Nayla, and later released to open closure. 

The animals were brought here in a successful exchange from Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Tirupati. In addition, a pair of emus were also brought as part of the exchange.

Apparently, the minister had kept the names of the animals a secret and later opined, “All animals should have names and they should be known through those names.” 

“I chose the names by myself. Nayla is an Arabic word which means achiever and Leo is Greek for lion,” she said. 

At present, both the animals have been released to two separate enclosures divided by an iron fence. Their behaviour will be monitored for a few days and will be kept together once they develop a companionship.  

“If they are released together, then they might turn violent and attack each other. Leo is six-years-old and Nayla is five. Both of them were born in Venkateswara Zoological Park,” said the zoo authorities. 

Meanwhile, with the addition of two more, the lion count in the Thiruvananthapuram zoo has risen to four. Of them, one is currently unwell and is undergoing treatment at the zoo hospital.