Updates From the Zoo's Lion Keepers: First Birthday Video and Photos
Adopt a litter of lion cubs | 
Watch the cub cams | 
Get lion cub stamps, toys, and more
September 16, 2011
On August 31, 2011, four of the Zoo's lions—Lelie, Fahari, Zuri, and John—turned one year old! On September 22, 2011, the Zoo's other young lions—Lusaka, Aslan, and Baruti—turn one year old. To celebrate their birthdays, keepers gave the pride birthday “cakes” that only a true predator could love—frozen blood, shaved beef, and cow bones—and presents: gift-wrapped packages with more edible treats inside. A huge thank you to the Zoo’s Department of Nutrition for preparing seven individual birthday cakes, plus one large delectable centerpiece for all the lions to enjoy together!
See video and photos below. | See birthday wishes for Shera's and Naba's cubs.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since the pitter-patter on tiny paws graced the lion house. This time last year, Shera's cubs were receiving their first baby exams (at two weeks old), and Naba was preparing to give birth. They have had their paws full every since!
Our seven young lions have had quite a year of milestones—from exams and overcoming minor injuries, to swim tests in the water moat, to experiencing winter snow, and now their first birthday. It truly is an important time in their life—less than 40 percent of their wild cousins live to see their first birthday. Of course these guys don’t face the same challenges that their wild cousins do, but the survival all seven cubs is significant for this species that is rapidly declining!
For us, the events during the past year have been some of the most amazing and rewarding experiences we’ll ever have. It’s a rare occurrence to look into a lion den but with modern technology, we have been thrilled to share the early moments of lion life with all of our virtual visitors from around the world. We hope you have learned as much as we have about from observing Naba and Shera raise their cubs. Be sure to check out previous updates with pictures and video, dating back to the arrival of Naba, Shera, and Luke—when Luke himself was just a one-year old boy!
So what’s new with the cubs? Over the past few months the cubs have been trading in their baby teeth for permanent adult teeth. The last to come in are their canines, which we should see erupting in the next couple of months. Several have had baby canines that were ready to come out but needed some assistance. During these dental exams, cubs also received their annual vaccinations and a routine check-up. So far Fahari, Zuri, John, Baruti, and Lusaka have all received a clean bill of health. We just have Aslan’s and Lelie’s exams to go!
What’s next? We are working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' lion Species Survival Plan to identify possibly placements for the youngsters. No final word yet, but rumor has it that our boys may get the rare chance to stick together for a while, and may depart before our young females. Once we know when and where these guys will be heading to, we’ll gradually begin the separation process from the rest of the pride. We want them feeling comfortable and confident as individuals or pairs before they depart National Zoo.
Don’t worry about saying goodbye yet. There is still plenty of time to visit with them here, and we’ll be sure to let everyone know where they are moving to once we have confirmation. In fact, if you are living outside of the D.C. area, they may even come to a zoo near you! If you have questions and can visit them here, keepers and Zoo guides are often visible around the Great Cats circle, and keepers are available to answer questions at 2:30 every Saturday and Sunday in front of the cat yards.
See a video and photos from the party!
