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Great Cats
The Great Cats exhibit on Lion/Tiger Hill features Sumatran tigers and African lions—living, breathing, roaring great cats. They are ambassadors for their wild relatives, and for the Zoo’s conservation and science initiatives for tigers, lions, and many other cats, which, even if not great in size, are still great!
Lions and tigers are on exhibit between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., daily (weather permitting).
On August 31 and September 22, 2010, the Zoo's 2 lionesses each gave birth to a litter of cubs. Shera's 4 cubs were born in August; Naba's 3 cubs were born in September.
Lion Viewing
The Zoo's lion pride, including seven young lions, are on exhibit most days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Some days, the juvenile lions may go out before 11 and stay out after 2. The schedule may change without notice depending on animal management or staffing needs. We will do our best to provide updates to help zoogoers plan their visit but may not always be able to do so. Thank you for understanding.
Adopt a lion or a whole litter of cubs!
Watch the lion cubs on the cams below! Please note: There are more dens than cams. If you're unable to see the cubs, they may be in a cam-less den or just out of view. If a cam is turned off, a keeper may be in that enclosure and will turn the cam back on before long. 
Read more about what not to worry about when you watch them.
The lion cub cams were generously provided by CGH Technologies, Inc. allowing viewers around the world to watch the lions and other wildlife at the Zoo.
Smithsonian Researchers Use Non-Invasive Techniques to Look at Genetic Diversity in Leopards from a Distance
Researchers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have spent years developing genetic techniques that use more easily acquired samples, and their latest success uses scat, or feces, collected from wild leopards living in the highlands of India. more
Zoo's Male Tiger Guntur Arrives in Japan
Guntur is officially the newest resident of Zoorasia in Yokohama, Japan! Guntur was sent there last week on a breeding recommendation with a female tiger that they have from Holland. As his keepers, we are all very sad to see him go, but we are excited that he will get the opportunity to increase the genetic diversity of captive Sumatran tigers. more
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The animal(s) in this enclosure may have moved out of view.
Watching a lion mother and cub
Shera, the Zoo's five-year-old lioness, gave birth to four cubs on August 31. Her sister Naba, a six-year-old lioness, gave birth to three cubs on September 22. If no lions are visible, toggle between cams, as the lions have the freedom to move between dens.
Lion updates | Meet the lions | Facts about lions | Adopt a litter of lion cubs | 
Lesson plans
Lions | Lion Cubs 4W | Lion Cubs 5W
Related Cams
Tiger Outside I
Lots of Cats
Four cheetahs live at the Zoo's Cheetah Conservation Station. Three tigers, three adult lions, and seven lion cubs live at Great Cats. Fishing cats and clouded leopards live on Asia Trail. Learn about cats at the Zoo.
Cat Conservation
Large or small, cats are graceful, specialized, and powerful animals. Yet, they are among the most endangered. Zoo conservation biologists are working with colleagues on lions’ home ground in Africa, and tigers’ in Asia, to develop the scientific understanding necessary for effective conservation. Zoo scientists are studying the ecology, behavior, and reproductive biology of tigers, lions, and many other cat species, including cheetahs, clouded leopards, and fishing cats. more
