Three African lion cubs at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill., have received their first health checkup at six weeks old, and zookeepers say theyre all male.
The cubs were born to 4-year-old lioness Zari and her 5-year-old mate Jabari on Jan. 9. They weighed about 2 pounds at birth, and now weigh 15–18 pounds each, zookeepers said.
In addition to determining the cubs sex, the zoos care team administered their first vaccinations and shaved small patches of their fur to distinguish them until they develop their unique markings.
All three cubs received their checkups in under eight minutes, thanks to a “carefully choreographed” approach while Zari participated in a training session in a separate space. Eighteen keepers, veterinarians and veterinary technicians were needed to minimize disruption to the bonding between the cubs and Zari.
Zookeepers say this is the first, and possibly only time staff will have direct contact with the cubs, who have yet to be named.
“Since their birth, we have been monitoring the cubs and Zari via remote cameras,” said Director of Veterinary Medicine Kathryn Gamble. “Zari has been an incredible mother thus far and the goal is not to intervene with the cubs unless medically necessary.”
After spending time behind the scenes bonding, Zari will decide when the cubs are ready to meet the rest of the family pride, including big brother Pilipili, who was born in March 2022.
