Cub cam: Aussie zoo offers behind-the-scenes glimpse at new lion cubs

October 11, 2021

Taronga Zoo Sydney in Australia is celebrating the safe arrival of five African lion cubs with the launch of a new behind-the-scenes live stream, The New Daily reports.

The cubs are the first of their species to be born at the zoo in more than 18 years and, in a sweet coincidence, they arrived on their dad’s fourth birthday.

Mum and dad, Maya and Ato, welcomed the two male and three female offspring in August. And the zoo said the baby big cats are “absolutely puuuurfect” at five weeks old.

Carnivore Unit Supervisor Louise Ginman said the youngsters are doing well and the new pride is a joy to behold. “Maya is a very attentive, nurturing and relaxed mother. Her labor went off without a hitch and we couldn’t be happier with the maternal behaviors that we are observing,” Ginman told The New Daily.

“Now weighing between 5 kilograms and 6 kilograms, compared to approximately 1.5 kilograms at birth, each cub is growing and developing—with mum Maya ensuring each cub is suckling and feeding well.”

Due to coronavirus lockdowns, the public are not able to visit the youngsters in person, but the zoo has come up with a solution. The cubs, which are part of a vulnerable species, have been monitored via CCTV cameras since their birth and live with their mum in a special maternity den.

And for those who wish they could get a glimpse inside, Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO Cameron Kerr has some good news: “In a first for Taronga, we are giving our community access to meet these five precious cubs and bringing them along on the journey from the very beginning,” Kerr said.

“With a donation of just $7, you are supporting our work at Taronga’s two zoos and our on-the-ground work in Northern Kenya—one of six native homelands of the African Lion.” And in more good news, the donation is tax-deductible.

The zoo said their lions are “important ambassadors for their species,” and help to raise money and awareness for their wild cousins.

Research contact: @TheNewDailyAu

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