The Denver Zoo’s lion habitat may get a lot more rambunctious in the coming months as four African lion cubs learn the ropes of their new pride.
African lion mom Araali gave birth to four healthy cubs Wednesday after nearly 18 hours of labor, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance officials announced this week.
Araali carried the cubs for 115 days and is now bonding away from the public exhibit, where the new family will remain for at least six weeks while the cubs get vaccinations and health exams.
“This allows Araali and her cubs the time they need to adjust to one another before introductions begin with the other females in the pride,” zoo officials said Thursday.
Araali was born at the Denver Zoo in 2020, and dad Usiku arrived at the zoo in 2016 after relocating from the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kan.
The two were recommended for breeding through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ African Lion Species Survival Plan based on their compatible genetics and Usiku’s mild demeanor, zoo officials said.
The cubs represent the fourth generation of lions born at the zoo, starting with great-grandma Neliah and grandma Kamara.
Although Araali and the cubs won’t be rejoining the rest of the family for a while, zoo officials plan to set up a “cub cam” with livestreams of the indoor area of Predator Ridge and maternity yard. Links to the stream will be posted on the zoo’s social media accounts when they’re available.
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