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For Release: September 2, 2011

Media only:

Communications Office call(202) 633-3055

Lion Cubs at Smithsonian’s National Zoo to Celebrate Their First Birthdays: Photo and Video Opportunity

  What:

The National Zoo’s seven lion cubs celebrate their birthday. Great Cats staff will be available for interviews to discuss the cubs’ personalities, growth and training progress.

  When:

Wednesday, Sept. 7
10:30 a.m. (arrive at Great Cats no later than 10:15 a.m.)
  Where:

National Zoo Great Cats Exhibit
Lion/Tiger Hill
3001 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
(Park in Parking Lot D at the bottom of the Zoo)
  Who:
  • Craig Saffoe, curator, National Zoo’s Great Cats Exhibit
  • Rebecca Stites, keeper, National Zoo’s Great Cats Exhibit
  • Kristen Clark, keeper, National Zoo’s Great Cats Exhibit

The lion cubs—John, Fahari, Zuri, Lelie, Baruti, Aslan and Lusaka—will receive wrapped presents containing individual-sized “bloodcicles” (frozen treats composed of blood and bones).

The cubs were born in two litters last year: The first Aug. 31 to Shera and the second Sept. 22 to her sister, Nababiep. Both litters were sired by Luke. The pride is the result of years of careful research and observation. The Zoo’s lion pride is on exhibit most days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (weather permitting).

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