Zuma was one of four mountain lions rescued last fall, and we are so happy that he finally has a name. Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest and helped us raise funds to aid in our mission to provide Zuma the best life.”

Jim Mitchell, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center marketing coordinator

Zuma is the winning name for the Name the Lion Contest hosted by Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale.

The center sought the public's help to name one of four young mountain lions brought there last year for care.  With over 200 votes cast, the name Zuma beat the runner-up, Echo, by 40 votes and helped raise over $1,000 for his continued care

The community was asked to choose between Keva, Echo, Zion, Tonto, and Zuma.  Each vote cast was a $5 donation to help provide funds required to continue his care, according to a press release.

SWCC is Zuma’s forever home. Funds will ensure his life at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center “is as precious as he is.”

“We are ecstatic that the community got involved in our contest to name Zuma,” said Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center Marketing Coordinator Jim Mitchell in a prepared statement.

“Zuma was one of four mountain lions rescued last fall, and we are so happy that he finally has a name. Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest and helped us raise funds to aid in our mission to provide Zuma the best life.”

Zuma is described as a young, energetic Mountain Lion who loves playing with his roommates Zia and Felix in their large enclosure. The community can see Zuma through many different experiences offered at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

Book a family friendly experience at the wildlife sanctuary  Experiences include Friday Night Twilight Tours, Wild Enrichment Parties, Wild Yoga, and Full Moon Tours, the release said.

SWCC operates solely from the public’s support and relies on donations and grants to keep the facility open with trained volunteers and veterinarians caring for the animals 24/7, the release said of the organization established in 1994, that rescues and rehabilitates injured, displaced, and orphaned wildlife.

Those rehabilitated are returned to the wild and sanctuary is provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild, according to the release.

SWCC also offers educational programs and opportunities in the field of conservation medicine. Wildlife education includes advice on living with wildlife and the importance of native wildlife to healthy ecosystems.

For more information or to donate: southwestwildlife.org.