For the first time in 20 years, Woodland Park Zoo is celebrating the birth of lions.
The mother, 3-year-old Adia (AH-dee-uh), gave birth Nov. 8 to four cubs following a gestation period of 109 days. The litter represents the first offspring for the mother and 13-year-old father Hubert.
The cubs mark the first birth of lions at Woodland Park Zoo since 1991. The genders of the cubs have not been determined at this time.
The mom and cubs are off public exhibit in a maternity den to allow the new family to bond in a hushed, comfortable environment. Animal management staff are closely monitoring the litter via a web cam to ensure the mom is providing excellent maternal care and the cubs are properly nursing.
According to Martin Ramirez, mammal curator at Woodland Park Zoo, average litter size for lions is two to three, so this is a large litter, especially for a first-time mother. “The first 48 hours are critical, and animal care staff will be monitoring each of the cubs closely for signs of normal behavior and development over the next several weeks.”
Video and photos of the cubs can be seen at www.zoo.org/lioncubs. As updated footage and images are made available, lion fans can keep tabs by visiting this page.
