He was born in a time of flame and is melting hearts at Mogo Wildlife Park.
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As fires marched steadily south from the Kings Highway on December 23, 2019, a lion cub made his entrance to the world.
On New Year's Eve, fire burning north of Batemans Bay since November 26 finally roared through Mogo.
Staff fought for hours to save the park and its creatures.
Among them was white lioness Chitwa and her eight-day-old healthy cub.
Park director Chad Staples today announced the name of his latest charge: Phoenix.
"Chad had considered a number of names, as with naming any newborn, but settled on the name Phoenix as it symbolises the recovery that Mogo Wildlife Park and the South Coast communities are focused on following these catastrophic fires," spokeswoman Sara Ang said.
"Mogo Wildlife Park was saved by Chad and 15 brave staff on New Years Eve and throughout early January," Ms Ang said.
"Phoenix the lion cub has been safely housed in his night den with his mother, and is sure to be a popular new member of the Mogo Wildlife Park family when in park reopens in the coming weeks."
For Mr Staples, who took over formal management of the park just two months before the fire, staying to defend all creatures great and small was never in doubt.
"To me there was never a decision," he said.
"I had to be there. All these animals are individuals. I had the pleasure of getting to know them for 18 months and had become very close. I felt that weight."
Also weighing on him was the knowledge it was lioness Chitwa's first cub.
"It was mum's first time," he said.
"Of course you are thinking about the cub, but also mum.
"When we knew the due date was approaching, fires had been in the region for weeks and you don't want any stress on mum at that time.
"It can be common for big cats to not know what to do the first time around. Thankfully she was amazing. We were able to tend to her. I feel she has written the textbook on how to be a first-time mum."
Say thanks to our heroes
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.
