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Denver Zoo gains new pair to lion pride

Posted at 12:39 PM, Apr 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-28 14:43:05-04

DENVER — Denver Zoo's African lion pride grew with the arrival of two lion cubs on Thursday, according to the zoo.

The two cubs were born to mom Kamara, 4, and dad Tobias, 4, but their sex has not yet been determined. According to animal care staff, both mom and cubs are healthy and well as they spend time bonding in Benson Predator Ridge.

“We are watching Kamara closely to make sure she’s showing appropriate maternal behaviors, like nursing and grooming,” said Assistant Curator of Predators Matt Lenyo in a release. “She learned a lot by watching Neliah and interacting with Tatu last year, which really prepared her to be a mom. We’re seeing a lot of positive signs that things are going well, and will continue to keep a close eye on her and the cubs in these critical first days and weeks.”

Mom and cubs will stay behind the scenes for about two months as they take the time to bond, gradually introducing the cubs to the rest of the pride. They will primarily stay in their den box, which the Animal Care team provides to mimic the space Kamara would seek out to give birth in the wild. Kamara will still have access to other holding areas behind the scenes, but the addition of the den box gives her a sense of security for her and her cubs.

The cubs join the rest of the pride that includes an unrelated female Sabi, 7; Kamara’s mom, Neliah, 7; and their half-brother, Tatu, who was born to Neliah and Tobias on July 25, 2019.

For more information about the new cubs, click here.