Zoo's Kings of the Beasts are Named City 's Ambassadors

Lion Cubs at the Virginia Zoo are named 2008 Zoo Ambassadors

for National Tourism Week

Norfolk, VA – In recognition of National Tourism Week 2008, the Virginia Zoo's lion cubs, Granby and Neka, have been named Zoo Ambassadors of the year. The Norfolk natives received the accolades at the city's Tourism Rally on May 15, when the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau (NCVB) recognized the city's “Champions of Hospitality.”

The cubs began their careers at the Virginia Zoo on August 17, 2007 when they were born on exhibit. They immediately captured the attention of lion lovers everywhere when the city installed a Cub Cam in the den, where visitors to the Zoo's website could catch a glimpse of the fuzzy twosome with mom, Zola. With their cheerful attitudes, professional commitment and team player attitudes, the cubs are ideal representatives of the residents of Norfolk and delightful ambassadors that will encourage visitors to celebrate life in our city.

“Speaking on behalf of Granby and Neka, they are delighted with this award, and the entire Zoo staff is tickled by this honor!” says Greg Bockheim, executive director.

Along with mom, Zola, and dad, Mramba, Granby and Neka have captured the hearts of everyone who sees them. They are a happy lion family, enjoying rough housing, climbing rocks and sleeping in the sun, even though one of the cubs' favorite activities is harassing mom and dad! The lion family generates a warm, fuzzy feeling for all Zoo visitors, and demonstrates that when it comes to being ambassadors, this foursome really is King of the Beasts.

Background:   

• Local Connection : Norfolk natives – Granby even carries the name of the street on which he was born!
• Education : Granby loves to eat which makes him excel at training – he will do anything for food.
• Hobbies : Wrestling with, jumping on, biting and harassing Mom & Dad – particularly enjoy pulling out Dad's mane by the mouthful
• Exercise – Climbing set of rock in exhibit – much to Mom's alarm – and then surveying their world.
• Favorite pastime – Getting nose-to-nose with the human cubs in the exhibit's large, public viewing window. (Downside? Nose smudges requiring the window to be cleaned daily, now.)
• Appearance : Granby is starting to grow mane, sporting a fluffy fringe around his face. Neka has a smooth, round edge to her face.

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