Lion Cubs Debut
Posted at 1:53 pm January 25, 2008 by Marcia Redding
Finally, the seven young cubs in the Lion Camp pride at the Wild Animal Park are old enough to explore the exhibit with their proud moms, Mina and Oshana! (See Marcia’s previous blog, Lion Cubs Named!) The two litters, born a few days apart in November 2007, are now coordinated enough to avoid the edge of the moated exhibit and to enjoy the many wonders to which they now have access. There are trees and rocks to climb, grass to roll in, and even their own Land Rover to play on, not to mention views of giraffes, rhinos, and assorted antelope species!
When the door to the exhibit was opened at last yesterday, the whole pride was outside in short order. Ingozi, one of Mina’s cubs, was the last one out. He usually is the one who lags a little behind the others when faced with new situations. Yet he soon was outside with the others, running and playing.
Mina and Oshana had a surprise awaiting them: before their “maternity leave,” the site for the Park’s Great Rift Lift was just a pile of dirt. It is now a building housing two elevators (to help Park visitors reach Lion Camp, Balloon Safari, Heart of Africa, and the Journey into Africa tour). Both of them were suspicious at first, but soon realized the new part of the landscape was harmless. The cubs were oblivious: they were occupied with running, pouncing, and in general enjoying their new playground.
Oshana, who was very nervous when her last litter went out for the first time (see Marcia’s blog, Oshana’s Cubs Debut at Lion Camp!), was a bit more relaxed this time. She kept a very close watch, but didn’t start hauling the cubs back inside as she did before. Maybe having another set of eyes helping her to keep track of everybody made her feel more secure. After the initial excitement, Mina was her usual laid-back self.
The cubs soon tired, and the whole family came inside to rest after about two hours. Until the cubs are relaxed enough to nurse and nap out there, and barring bad weather, the family will be on exhibit first thing in the morning until the cubs tire, and then will be brought inside so dad Izu or older brothers Kamau and Zenda can have some exhibit time.
Come see these little treasures. They grow up really fast!
Marcia Redding is a senior keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
Watch video of the debut in our Video Portal…
View more images…
Listen to an iZoofari Chat about the debut…
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January 25th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I can’t explain how big a smile I have on my face when I read out these little guys, see the pictures and watch the video… but it’s a really big smile. They just make me happy - they are such a joy to watch run and play with each other - and both moms are stunning - and seem like they are doing a great joy keeping an eye on everyone. It must be quite a job - but like you said - 2 sets of eyes make it easier. Thank you for the update, pictures and video (although I saw a version of it on the news last night) - it was a great way to start the weekend. Congratulations on your success!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Oh I can hardly wait to see them, unfortunately with the weather possible being bad this weekend it will have to wait until next week, I am planning on coming up the first day it isn’t raining to see these bungle of joy and energy. Thanks for letting us know how they did their first day out and that they are out only in the morning perfect for me because that is the only time on the weekdays I can be there. They look so adorable in the picture.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Thank you for posting the video and the pictures! These are two happy, rambunctious, adorable litters of lion cubs! I can’t wait for them to grow up and interact more with the visitors!
January 26th, 2008 at 8:30 am
LOVE THE PICTURES! I’m coming to see them in MARCH!!!
January 26th, 2008 at 9:57 am
For all the folks in Michigan, the new lion exhibit at John Ball Zoo featuring Abena and Bakari opens June 14th. Save the date!!
January 26th, 2008 at 10:27 am
So nice to see all the little ones out and about. What a nice big pride. What happens with the cubs after
1-2 yrs? Are some or all of them going to be like their brother and sister and go to other zoos ? Or is SDZ going to have a big pride ? Thanx for the update !!
January 26th, 2008 at 11:13 am
This is the first time I’ve been able to watch any of your videos, as my virus checker wasn’t dealing with checking viruses. Now I’ve got a fantastic new one and can see all the stuff I’ve missed, starting with your fabulous overgrown pussycats!
They are so squishy, running around and jumping. They are going to be a handful for their mums, I bet. The fathers look so magnificent with their wonderful manes. Looking forward to seeing lots more of these super little lion cubs.
January 26th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Thank you for the pictures and the videos! They are too cute. It’s funny that the cub whose name means “danger” (Ingozi) is the cautious one.
January 29th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Beautiful cubs, thanks. I always found Lions magnificent. These majestic animals are natural kings of a jungle.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Thanks so much for your blogs. It makes me feel like I’m there. Keep up the good work!
January 30th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
How long do you anticipate it will be before you can let Izu onto exhibit with his prides?
January 30th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Another wonderful blog, Marcia. Thanks so much for keeping us all informed. I braved the iffy weather today, and had an absolutely lovely time at the Park. The moms and cubs were beyond all expectataion, especially when one of the cubs came right up to the glass (the one by the Range Rover) and “roared” at a toddler at the window. The roar was more like a meow, and the toddler was ecstatic, as were the rest of us. I also rode the new Great Rift Lift, another treat, avoiding the killer hills. And the view from the top deck was wonderful, especially seeing all the green in the areas burned by the October fires. What else? The elephants were up near the top with two of the young ones in clear sight, and Condor Ridge was, as usual, serene, beautiful and enchanting. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day! I’m usually at the Zoo, but be assured I’ll be back at the park very soon! Thanks again.
January 30th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Wow — So very cute!!!!! We’re comin on this Saturday, we can hardly wait!!!! Oh my gosh, the joy these lions bring for visitors is so exciting, but what a job for the 2 beautiful moms. Do you know how soon Izu will be coming out? He did so great with the last litters.
Continue your great work with these beautiful creatures.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:02 am
FINALLY WATCHED THE VIDEO!!! 100% ADORABLE
May 5th, 2008 at 9:00 am
These are like awesome… Beautiful pictures.. I have always loved lions esp cubs.. They are choo cuuuute.