Zoo welcomes lion cubs for the first time in 48 years

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) - A zoo in Arizona recently welcomed two new very special editions to its animal family.

According to the Phoenix Zoo, 6-year-old lioness Zuri gave birth to two lion cubs last week, the first African lions to be born at the zoo since 1976.

It was also the first field birth since a Brazilian ocelot was born at the zoo in 2001.

Zuri arrived at the Phoenix Zoo last October, and her breeding partner, 8-year-old Boboo, has been at the facility since 2019.

The pair was the result of a recommendation from the Lion Species Survival Plan.

The cubs are not expected to make their public debut for several months as they will be behind the scenes in a cozy den box, according to the animal care team.

Staff said the lion family is in good health and they are giving Zuri time to mother her cubs before performing any necessary exams.

The sex of both cubs is not yet known.

Boboo and Kamara, Zuri’s sister, will continue to be viewable in their habitat.

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