Lion Cub Update Jan 27, 2014: Nababiep gives birth
The Smithsonian's National Zoo's Great Cats team celebrated the arrival of its first litter of African lion cubs in four years. On Jan. 24, the Zoo's 10-year-old lion Nababiep gave birth to three cubs—two surviving—in an eight-hour period. These cubs are the third litter for Nababiep and the fourth for 8-year-old father, Luke.
Animal care staff watched Nababiep give birth via a closed-circuit webcam and continue to monitor the family. The first cub was born at 3:58 a.m. and appeared active and healthy. Five hours later at 8:51 a.m., Nababiep delivered her second cub, but it was stillborn. The third cub was born at 11:24 a.m. and appeared active and healthy.
Below is a short video clip featuring the brand new cubs.
Related Species:
Continue Exploring
African Lion Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›
Zoo staff are mourning the loss of Shera, a female African lion who was humanely euthanized May 7.
When Is It Time To Say Goodbye To An Aging Animal? ›
African lion Shera has been a protective sister, a bossy mate and a doting mother. After a life well lived, keepers are preparing to say goodbye to the matriarch of the Zoo's pride.
An Update on Shera ›
Recently, our Great Cats team bid farewell to African lion Amahle, who moved to another zoo to breed. Keeper Katy Juliano shares how Amahle's mother, Shera, is adjusting in this update.