For this week’s “Lion Keeper’s Blog”, I wanted to do things a little differently. They say a picture is worth a thousand words… so what does that make a gif worth? A million? Sure, let’s go with a million. In that case, this will be my longest blog post ever. 🙂 Here’s a quick recap of the cubs’ first 6 weeks of life and all the amazing things they’re learning as they grow into real lions.
Everyone knows the cubs are cute.
I mean, just look at that face?! How can you not fall in love?
But there’s a lot more to becoming a lion than just being cute.
It’s actually a lot of hard, exhausting work!
The cubs have a pretty massive skill-set to hone before they are considered the “King of Beasts”.
The cubs spend a lot of time watching momma, Imani, to learn all the essentials of becoming a proper lion.
“And that’s how you yawn.”
“Now, let’s start with one of the most basic feline behaviors: grooming! Here, I better do it for you.”
“Thanks Momma, I’m clean!!”
“Seriously Mom!!! We can do it ourselves! We’ll show you!”
Imani says: “That’s… that’s not right.”
Cub #1 grooms Cub #3 while Cub #2 grooms Imani’s tail tuft.
At least they seem to be mastering some skills.
Like… walking:
And climbing…
Roaring…
And stalking and pouncing on your unsuspecting victim…
Gravity makes it tough.
The key to a successful hunt is selecting an appropriate prey item.
Like this defenseless paw!!
Okay, so maybe becoming a lion is harder than it looks.
For now, the cubs will probably just stick to what they know best…
Nursing…
“My nipple feels weird! Oh right.”
And snuggling…
And sleeping!
And one day, they’ll be big and strong lions, just like Imani…
And John!
What an amazing success for the zoo! Keep up the good work of keeping us up to date on the cubs’ progress. I can’t wait to see them in person in the spring.
I am woman, hear me roar!
I think this years Zoo Babies is going to be AWESOME!!!!
Fabulous! Thank you.
This is absolutely adorable! Thank you for sharing these wonderful video clips.
This is so cute! Thanks!
What does John think of watching the Cubs?
How lucky you are getting to see these beautiful babies everyday. It must be wonderful watching them grow.
Absolutely love seeing Wendy’s blog on the cubs – this one is fabulous! Thanks.
Great blog! Love seeing the lions & watching the kids learn from Mom! Keep ’em com in’!
Love Love Love this!!! I worked Childrens Zoo long ago & was privileged to handle the first set of White Tiger cubs. Fabulous time & best job every as a teen.