The Buffalo Zoo has recently welcomed a heartwarming addition to its African Lion Pride with the birth of four active lion cubs on June 2nd and 3rd. These new arrivals are the offspring of Lusaka, the mother, and Tiberius, the father.
The animal care team at the zoo had been closely monitoring Lusaka leading up to her delivery, using remote cameras to keep an eye on her during labor. Three cubs were born on the evening of June 2nd, and the fourth cub arrived in the early hours of the 3rd. It’s quite common for lionesses to have multiple cubs over several hours during childbirth. All four cubs are thriving, nursing well, and displaying signs of excellent health.
At their recent check-up, the cubs, two females and two males, were found to be healthy, growing, and each weighing around seven pounds. For the time being, the cubs will remain behind-the-scenes and off-exhibit, where they will continue bonding with their mother.
Lusaka and Tiberius were paired based on a breeding recommendation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Species Survival Plan (SSP) for African Lions. This plan aims to maintain a genetically diverse population of this species, contributing to its long-term survival. This marks the third litter for this lion pair. Their previous offspring, Asha, Amirah, Roary, Zahra, and Khari, have been placed in other zoos.
In the upcoming weeks, the cubs and their mother will continue to bond behind the scenes. They will remain off-exhibit until they are older and stronger, at which point they will be introduced to other members of the pride and eventually go outdoors. The Buffalo Zoo encourages the public to stay connected through their social media channels and email alerts to receive updates on the cubs’ public debut and names.
The birth of these lion cubs is not only a cause for celebration but also a reminder of the critical role zoos play in conserving endangered species. The African lion is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to factors like habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts. With fewer than 40,000 individuals estimated in the wild, the importance of conservation efforts is paramount.
The Buffalo Zoo actively participates in lion conservation through partnerships with other zoos, research initiatives, anti-poaching campaigns, and community engagement programs. By raising awareness and connecting the Buffalo community to these iconic big cats, the zoo contributes significantly to the preservation of African lions and their natural habitats.
Every visit to the Buffalo Zoo helps advance its mission of wildlife conservation and supports its dedication to saving these majestic creatures for generations to come.