Scientists and visitors alike are excited over the birth of four healthy lion cubs at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo.
In addition to being extraordinarily cute, the new arrivals also represent the first litter to be born at the zoo in more than 20 years. The last lion to give birth at the facility did so back in 1991.
The 11-day-old cubs are being closely monitored along with their three-year-old mother Adia, and so far it seems that both mother and children are doing well.
Scientists and visitors alike are excited over the birth of four healthy lion cubs at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo.
In addition to being extraordinarily cute, the new arrivals also represent the first litter to be born at the zoo in more than 20 years. The last lion to give birth at the facility did so back in 1991.
The 11-day-old cubs are being closely monitored along with their three-year-old mother Adia, and so far it seems that both mother and children are doing well.
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Celebration: The Seattle Woodland Park Zoo happily welcomed four adorable lion cubs.
Currently, the lions are being held in a maternity ward away from the public eye, as the zoo is trying to limit human interaction with the family as much as possible.
Veterinarians will perform checkups, administer vaccinations and take blood samples every couple of weeks. But aside from that, they are letting Adia take care of her brood naturally.
And so far, zoo officials say she is doing a stellar job.
‘We’re very pleased with Adia’s maternal care and protectiveness. As a first-time mother, she’s providing attentive care the way a good mother lion naturally does.’
Webcam videos of the new family show Adia nursing her young, grooming them and tenderly picking them up with her mouth.
Looking Good: According to zoo officials, both the cubs and their mother, pictured, are happy and healthy.
Acting the Part: Despite being a first-time mother, Aida seems to be handling her duties well.
Already the cubs are walking about their den and putting on some good weight, officials say. They also all appear to be nursing and have their eyes open.
The litter is the product of Adia and 13-year-old Hubert. Despite their May-December relationship, the two are an incredibly strong match.
In fact, Adia was brought to the Seattle zoo from Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as part of the Species Survival Plan and with the express purpose of mating with Hubert.
The Species Survival Plan is a program that works to match animals across North America based on genetic diversity and demographic stability. It also takes into consideration personality and behavior of animals, all with the goal of finding potential mating partners.
Family Matters: The cubs’ dad Hubert, left, and mom Adia, right, were matched based on personality and genetic traits.
Because of their age and size, the cubs will be kept out of public viewing until they grow and demonstrate better mobility skills.
Temperatures will also have to reach a minimum of 50 degrees before visitors will get a chance to see the cubs.
Until then, those interested will have to rely on videos and photographs from the zoo.
