SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has revealed the names of four cheetah cubs born earlier this year, marking the first cheetah births at the park since 2020.

The four male cubs, born in January, have been named Nyasi, Owadgi, Ohani and Nkala, park officials announced Friday.

One of the cubs, described by wildlife care staff as vocal and independent, was named Nyasi — meaning “grass” or “plains” — following a public vote held on social media earlier this week. The poll allowed the community to help select from a curated list of names inspired by African languages and culture.

The remaining three cubs were named by staff based on their personalities and traits.

The largest of the litter was named Owadgi, which means “brother.” The smallest cub was named Ohani, meaning “moon,” in honor of his grandmother. The fourth cub, noted for his protective nature, was named Nkala, a powerful figure in African folklore.

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The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has revealed the names of four cheetah cubs born in January 2026. (Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has revealed the names of four cheetah cubs born in January 2026. (Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has revealed the names of four cheetah cubs born in January 2026. (Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has revealed the names of four cheetah cubs born in January 2026. (Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has revealed the names of four cheetah cubs born in January 2026. (Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has revealed the names of four cheetah cubs born in January 2026. (Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

The cubs are being raised behind the scenes at the park’s Carnivore Conservation Center under the care of their mother, Kelechi. While they are not yet part of the general exhibit, visitors may have the opportunity to see the family during special “Ultimate Safari” experiences.

Officials say the birth of the cubs represents an important milestone for the Safari Park’s conservation and breeding efforts.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the non-profit organization that operates the park, says it continues to focus on wildlife conservation through global partnerships and scientific research, both locally and around the world.

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