BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Zoo welcomed four new African lion cubs earlier this month.
The zoo in a news release on Facebook shared that four African lion cubs were born at the beginning of the month and have been dubbed the “Fab Four.” The zoo, located in Buffalo, New York, says that the four cubs were born to parents Lusaka and Tiberius.
The zoo says that the cubs were born late at night on June 2 and into the early morning hours of June 3. The zoo has been monitoring the mother, Lusaka for days leading up to the births and were able to watch her on remote cameras as she went into labor.
“All cubs are nursing well and are currently showing all signs of good health,” the zoo said.
The veterinary team at the zoo was able to get their first look at the new cubs last week, according to WGRZ. The cubs weighed about 7 pounds each. Two are believed to be female. None of the cubs have been named yet.
The mother and cubs will have bonding and nursing time together behind the scenes for now, the news outlet reported.
“The birth of any animal is exciting, and lion cubs are especially heartwarming because – well -they are adorable! We are honored to care for Lusaka, the cubs, and all the members of their pride, while recognizing that they also represent the future and hope for the conservation of their species, reminding us of the importance of a sustained commitment to work to save lions in the wild” said Lisa Smith, Interim president and CEO posted on Facebook.
Because of habitat loss, poaching, illegal trafficking and other reasons, African lions are considered a vulnerable species, the zoo said, according to The Associated Press.