Updates From the Zoo's Lion Keepers: Lions All Go Out Together
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December 29
Wondering why the lion yard was closed down this afternoon? We were taking the last step in our build-a-pride project by sending family introductions outside to the yard for the first time. We’re happy to report that everything went smoothly. After spending the morning outside together, the parents were reunited with the cubs around noon.
An hour later, we let Luke back outside, immediately followed by Naba, Shera, and the cubs. From halfway across the yard, Luke turned to see the little army of cubs heading his direction. The information of this invasion was apparent in his wide eyes for just a second, then he quickly skipped up to the highest tier in the yard where he settled down to watch his family play on the tiers below.
We had hoped that it would take a couple of weeks for the cubs to figure out how to climb to the top level so that Luke would have some time to adjust to sharing his yard, but Fahari has already figured out how to go up and down the stairs in the yard and visits the top level daily now. Luke didn’t seem to mind and, although he mostly ignored her, he couldn’t seem to resist a little play as he chased her several yards across the tier. Naba and Shera divided their time between playing with the cubs on the lower levels and taking several breaks with Luke on the top level. Once, Luke even came down to the third tier and settled next to Baruti and Naba.
The toughest part was getting everyone inside. Naba and Shera routinely come in when called. It’s been taking an extra ten to 15 minutes for the cubs to realize that their moms have gone inside before they follow (or before we go into the yard to gently persuade them to go in). Today, the cubs were not bothered by the absence of the moms. Why would they be with Dad around? It took nearly an hour, but we got everyone in. The cubs were fast asleep a short time later.
We hope you’ll be able to come and experience this sight for yourself! Please keep in mind that weather or management needs may prevent the cubs from going outside some days, with little or no notice. We apologize if you visit the Zoo and are unable to see the lion cubs. Otherwise, the best time to view the cubs is between 12:30-1:30 on sunny days when temperatures are above freezing, although some circumstances may require us to put them out and bring them in a little earlier. Also, be sure to check out the pride on our web cams. Cams are placed in the three indoors enclosures where the cubs spend most of their time. Sometimes the cubs are in one of the many other enclosures throughout the building and the cameras are turned off while we take care of the lion enclosures.
December 30
The cubs went outside with dad for the second time today. We started the day by letting Luke, Naba, and Shera out together. Naba and Shera were brought in at 11:30 for a meal and to be reunited with the cubs before heading back out for the afternoon. Luke waited patiently at the mesh door that divides the yard from the indoor enclosures, but received a surprise today. When Naba and Shera were given access back to the cubs, Baruti went darting out into the runway and greeted Luke at the door with a little meow. Luke practically jumped out of his fur and darted to the top of the yard. A few minutes later Naba, Shera, and the cubs joined Luke in the yard. Luke looked fairly comfortable playing with the cubs on the top two tiers during the afternoon, and Naba and Shera are really starting to cut loose and enjoy their time playing with the cubs as well.
January 4
The cubs are weighed weekly and are growing fast! Baruti is the smallest at 32 pounds, and John is the largest at 46 pounds! We are also starting to extend their hours outside, provided we have accommodating weather so you may notice the cubs going out a little earlier than usual or staying out a little later.
