Moderator’s note: We have larger versions in our Lion Photo Gallery http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/gallery_lion-cubs.html

The latest photos posted of the Izu, Oshana, Mina and the cubs interacting are so enchanting. We never tire looking at them.

Thank you and all the staff at the Lion Camp for your unceasing dedication in caring for these amazing creatures.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/lion-cubs-named-3/

The round treat that you saw was a meatsicle - a chunk of ice made with the leftover meat juice from the regular diet, sometimes spiced up with some carnivore diet or beef heart. These are very popular in the summer, as you may imagine.

Izu had better rest up, because it won’t be long before there’s no place to hide! We’re sure he will do fine - he is an experienced dad, although the most cubs he’s ever had to deal with at one time was three.

Thanks again for the great feedback, and I’m sure the folks that can only visit in cyberspace appreciate the play-by-play commentary!

After a while, Oshana and Mina with the cubs following close behind were all running, wrestling, jumping and having a great time. Everyone began oohing and ahhing with each lion interaction. We all followed the Lion family along the path to the open viewing area. Oshana and Mina would always interact with the cubs. Izu watched from a distance. By the way, Izu is without a doubt a strikingly handsome lion!

A few of the cubs would wander around the exhibit, others would play together and one in particular decided to take a nap and enjoy some warm sunshine. Later, Izu approached the sleeping cub. (Most of us watching became a little anxious.) Izu lovingly licked the cub. Almost immediately, one lioness casually walked over to Izu and grabbed him by the lower part of his mane, pulling and roaring until Izu jumped away. Fortunately, no harm was done. Izu moved away and climbed on the roof of the Land Rover for some quiet time.

About 15 minutes later, Izu left the area and walked towards the front of the exhibit area. Oshana and Mina decided to share the roof of the Land Rover. They both looked so very sweet, facing the same direction, watching their cubs. Well, guess what? All the cubs wanted to join their Moms on the roof. Oh what fun it was watching all seven cubs trying their best to climb onto the roof. They were all able to climb into the Rover and settled in the “front foot well” of the jeep, one on top of the other – a pile of cubs . While the cubs were trying so hard to get up on the roof, the crowd of viewers was loudly cheering them on.

The cubs tried valiantly to climb on the roof. They tried to grab onto the front window frames, slipping and sliding. They worked so hard, but were not successful. No doubt they will succeed in their quest to reach the top within a week or two (what do you think Marcia?). Even at this young age, they are very resourceful and determined.

It is so wonderful to witness such a beautiful part of the Lion Kingdom in action. The Lion Camp exhibit is a little piece of Africa. This extended Lion family gives us all a wonderful glimpse into the sites and sounds of a savanna in Africa. It’s just fantastic.

The cubs are growing so quickly. Now is the best time to visit and enjoy one of the most beautiful exhibits at the Wild Animal Park.

P.S. Once the cubs learn how to climb, where or where will Izu find refuge?
Marcia, we wish you were there to teach us how to distinguish these adorable cubs.

Many thanks to everyone at the Lion Camp for taking such wonderful care of these precious animals. Your hard work is appreciated.

It is great to hear good news about little ones born in November after the heartbreak of losing the female elephant calf.