Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo has welcomed a rare and delightful sight: the birth of four healthy lion cubs. These newcomers mark the first lion cubs born at the zoo in over 20 years, with the last birth occurring in 1991.
The lion cubs, now 11 days old, are under close observation along with their three-year-old mother, Adia. Both mother and cubs are reported to be thriving.
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Currently, the lion family is housed in a maternity ward away from public view to minimize human interaction.
The zoo’s veterinarians conduct regular check-ups, administer vaccinations, and take blood samples every few weeks. Beyond these essential interventions, Adia can care for her cubs naturally.
“We’re very pleased with Adia’s maternal care and protectiveness. As a first-time mother, she’s providing attentive care like a good mother lion naturally does,” said a zoo official.
Webcam footage shows Adia nursing, grooming, and tenderly carrying her cubs, displaying excellent maternal instincts.
Despite being new to motherhood, Adia is excelling. The cubs are already walking around their den, gaining weight, nursing well, and have opened their eyes.
Their father, 13-year-old Hubert, was explicitly brought to Seattle from Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to mate with Adia as part of the Species Survival Plan.
This program aims to match animals based on genetic diversity and compatibility, ensuring solid and healthy offspring.
Zoo officials explain that the cubs will remain out of public view due to their young age and size until they grow and develop better mobility.
Additionally, temperatures must reach at least 50 degrees before visitors can see the cubs.
Until then, those eager to catch a glimpse of the lion family will have to rely on videos and photos shared by the zoo.
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