Things are in an upROAR at Woodland Park Zoo, where two tiny South African lion cubs arrived on Jan. 14. It’s been a full decade since the zoo last heard that particular kind of newborn roar, making this long-awaited arrival especially sweet.
Check out the new cats in their special den:
Both cubs are girls, born to first-time parents Ilanga (ee-LONG-uh) and Tandie. For now, mom and babies are tucked away in a cozy, quiet maternity den, bonding and settling in. The cubs will stay off view until they’re a bit sturdier on their paws and Seattle’s temperatures reliably hover at 50 degrees or warmer.
“As a first-time mother, Ilanga so far is doing a terrific job and is resting and bonding with the cubs,” said Martin Ramirez, curator of mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo. Animal care staff and veterinarians will be keeping a close eye on the little family in the weeks ahead to be sure everyone is thriving.
Lion litters typically include two to three cubs, Ramirez noted — making this pair right on track. At birth, cubs weigh just 2.2 to 3.5 pounds and arrive into the world blind, opening their eyes within a week or two.
Mom, Ilanga, and Dad, Tandie, are pretty proud. (Image: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren / Woodland Park Zoo
The new cubs also carry a meaningful family legacy. They represent the third generation to call Woodland Park Zoo’s lion habitat home. Their grandfather, Xerxes, was a familiar favorite at the zoo before his death in 2022.
“We are very excited about the birth of these lions, especially since they are the grandchildren of Xerxes,” Ramirez said. “It’s a big win for the Lion Species Survival Plan gene pool, and we’re looking forward to establishing a new pride here.”
Woodland Park Zoo’s lions are part of the South African subspecies, Panthera leo krugeri — also known as the Transvaal lion. Native to the grassy plains, savannas and open woodlands of southern Africa, these powerful cats can weigh up to 400 pounds. They are also considered a vulnerable species, making the arrival of two healthy cubs not just adorable, but important.
For now, Seattle families will have to wait a bit to meet the newest zoo stars — but the roar of good news is already echoing through the park.
