The Buffalo Zoo’s African lion pride has grown! On June 2nd and 3rd, Lusaka, the lioness, and Tiberius, the lion, welcomed the birth of four lively lion cubs, delighting the zoo staff and animal lovers alike.
The Zoo’s animal care team closely monitored Lusaka in the days leading up to the birth, using remote cameras to watch over her. Three cubs were born on the evening of June 2nd, with a fourth arriving in the early hours of June 3rd. Such a spread-out birth timeline is normal for lions.
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All four cubs are nursing well and showing strong signs of good health. Last week, the veterinary team conducted their first check-up, confirming that the cubs—two males and two females—are growing as expected and each weighs around seven pounds.
For now, Lusaka and her cubs will remain off-exhibit, bonding and growing behind the scenes. Once they are older, stronger, and more mobile, the cubs will be introduced to the pride and their outdoor habitat.
A Special Pairing for Conservation
Lusaka and Tiberius were paired as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for African lions. The SSP focuses on maintaining a healthy, genetically diverse population of lions in human care to support conservation efforts.
This is Lusaka and Tiberius’s third litter together. Lusaka previously gave birth to three cubs in 2016—Asha, Amirah, and Roary—who now reside at other zoos. In 2021, she welcomed Zahra and Khari, who can still be seen at the Buffalo Zoo’s lion habitat alongside the pride.
Protecting Lions for the Future
African lions are listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated population of less than 40,000 mature individuals. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade are major threats to the species.
The Buffalo Zoo actively supports lion conservation through collaborative partnerships with AZA’s Lion SAFE Program (Saving Animals From Extinction) and other organizations. These initiatives include research, anti-poaching programs, and community engagement, all aimed at protecting lions in the wild.
Lisa Smith, the Buffalo Zoo’s Interim President and CEO, shared her excitement:
“The birth of any animal is exciting, and lion cubs are especially heartwarming because—they’re adorable! We’re honored to care for Lusaka, the cubs, and the entire pride while recognizing that they represent hope for the conservation of their species.”
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