Good things happen to those who wait, and the Zoo has waited for this good thing for 20 years—the birth of lions at Woodland Park! On November 8th, 2012, two South African Lions, Adia and Hubert, welcomed four new cubs into their family.
The 3-year-old Adia gave birth to her four cubs following a gestation period of 109 days. This is the first litter for mom Adia and 13-year-old father Hubert, and it’s also the first litter born at the zoo since 1991.
Right now, the cubs are with mom in an off-view maternity den where the new family can bond in a hushed, comfortable environment. Expert keepers and veterinarian staff will closely monitor the litter via an internal web cam. The first 48 to 72 hours after a birth are critical, particularly among mammals. Lions are born blind and the cubs will begin to open their eyes within a week or two after birth.
To learn more about the cubs, and see photos when they are posted, check back with the Woodland Park Zoo website or stop by the Zoo!