Lion pride at Buffalo Zoo grows by 2

The Buffalo Zoo is happy to announce the birth of two healthy lion cubs, born to mother Lusaka on March 7. The cub arrival day is extra special as they were born on their dad Tiberius’s 8th birthday.

Animal care team members began monitoring Lusaka closely in the days before her giving birth. As the keepers started their day on March 7, she went into labor. Cub No. 1 was born at 9:52 a.m., while cub No. 2 was born a few hours later, at 2:47 p.m. Both cubs began nursing and are currently showing signs of good health.

“We are thrilled to welcome these cubs to the Buffalo Zoo family,” said Lisa Smith, general curator. “It’s never a guarantee that newborn animals will survive, but Lusaka is an experienced mom, and she has been doing everything right. Both cubs look healthy and are growing fast.”

Lusaka and Tiberius were paired based on a breeding recommendation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is the pair's second litter. In 2016, Lusaka gave birth to three cubs: Asha, Amirah and Roary.

For more details and additional information on Buffalo Zoo operating hours, to purchase tickets, donate or enroll in an education program, visit www.buffalozoo.org.  

(Images courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo)