‘Hondo’s Little Potato’: Pittsburgh Zoo unveils lion cub ‘Kiazi’ in homage to her Idaho roots

PITTSBURG (KIFI) — A lion cub halfway across the nation, but beloved by Idahoans, made her public debut at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium on Monday with a name that permanently connects her to her father’s home state.

Timed with World Lion Day on August 10, the zoo officially introduced four-month-old "Kiazi" to visitors. The name, which means "potato" in Swahili, honors both the African lion’s native range and serves as a nod to her father, Hondo, who came to Pittsburgh from the Idaho Falls Zoo.

RELATED: Former Idaho Falls Zoo lion becomes first-time father at Pittsburgh Zoo

“Since she is Hondo’s first offspring and he is from Idaho, keepers loved the name,” said Assistant Curator of Mammals Karen Vacco in a post announcing the naming. “Hondo’s little Idaho potato!”

Born on April 5, Kiazi is the cub for Hondo and mother Scarlett as part of a strategic breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan. African lions are considered vulnerable, and numbers have declined by 50 percent over the last 25 years due to habitat loss, loss of prey, and human-lion conflict. 

“Every lion cub birth is vital to the long-term survival of the species, and each one represents hope for the future,” says Vacco. “We hope Kiazi inspires Zoo guests to learn more about lions and protect them in the wild.”

To name the playful cub, the zoo turned to the public. Pittsburgh Zoo friends submitted over 1000 name suggestions during a fundraising initiative that generated $5,705. The proceeds will directly support Kiazi, the lion pride, and wildlife care initiatives across the facility.

Caregivers report that Kiazi is in peak health. While she will eventually transfer to another accredited zoo in a few years to establish her own pride, keepers are enjoying her early years in Pittsburgh, according to reports by KDKA.