UPDATE: Five Lion Cubs are the Pride of Omaha
January 26, 2013
You met the five African Lion cubs born at Omaha’s Henry Doorly
Zoo a few weeks ago on ZooBorns. Take a
look at these new photos and you’ll see that they’re growing fast!
Born to first-time mother Mfisha and father Mr. Big on
December 29, the five cubs are thriving.
The litter includes two males and three females.
Photo Credit: Henry
Doorly Zoo
This breeding was recommended by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) as part of an effort to breed Lions of appropriate genetic backgrounds.
The population of African Lions has fallen dramatically over the last few decades. Some experts estimate there are half as many wild African Lions as there were two decades ago, and most are confined to national parks and protected areas. Zoo breeding is one of many efforts underway to protect these majestic cats from extinction.