Cork's Fota presents newly-named cheetah cubs Nuru and Nia

Fota Wildlife Park is delighted to announce that its two endangered Northern cheetah cubs have been named Nia and Nuru, following a public naming competition that attracted over 1,000 entries.

The names, meaning ‘purpose’ and ‘light’ in Swahili, were selected for the cubs, who were born last November 24 to mother, Florence, and father, Nawab.

Acting lead ranger John Leahy said: “We were thrilled with the level of engagement from the public in helping us name these cubs.

“The names were selected to honour the cheetahs’ African heritage.”

The cubs, along with their mother, Florence, are now in the cheetah habitat near the park’s main entrance, where they have settled in well.

Now over four months old, Nia and Nuru are growing in strength and confidence, regularly seen exploring their surroundings, playfully interacting with one another and their mum, and delighting visitors to the park.