KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Zoo Knoxville’s African lion cub officially has a name, and he’s already becoming a fan favorite.
The cub, now named Bisky, was born February 17 to first-time parents Zahra and Maji. Zoo officials say the name was chosen by donors and that the cub has been steadily growing and developing.
Bisky currently weighs around 27 pounds and is being fed a combination of formula and meat each day. He has been living in the zoo’s Valley of the Kings area since April.
Keepers say the cub had to be hand-reared after his mother stopped producing milk when he was just a few weeks old, a situation that is not uncommon with first-time lion mothers.
To help with his development, staff are conducting closely monitored “howdy” sessions with his parents to encourage socialization and natural behaviors.
Zoo officials say Bisky is doing well and continues to make progress. Guests can see him daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Valley of the Kings exhibit.
