4 African lion cubs born at Denver Zoo
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Cue cub cuteness overload. Photo: Courtesy of Denver Zoo
Four "feisty" African lion cubs made their debut at the Denver Zoo on Wednesday, the latest in a proud (and loud) family line.
Why it matters: The litter marks the zoo's fourth generation of African lions.
Behind the scenes: Mom Araali, born at the zoo in 2020, powered through nearly 18 hours of labor before welcoming the cubs, which are bonding "well" with their mother, the zoo said.
- Usiku is the "proud dad." He came to Denver in 2016 from the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas.
What they're saying: "We are so excited for the birth of these lion cubs and to see Araali already becoming a great mother," Katelyn Stache, Denver Zoo's assistant curator of carnivores, said in a statement.
- "Now that the cubs are here," she added, "we are enjoying listening to their noises and watching Araali as she navigates caring for all of them."
What's next: Though they won't be viewable to the public for at least six weeks, the zoo said a live cub cam will be made available "soon."
The big picture: The little lion quartet is part of a baby boom at the Denver Zoo this year, including the arrival of a spunky Somali wild ass, sleepy sloth, tiny pancake tortoise and adorable reticulated giraffe.