JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three lion cubs were born at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens earlier this month, the zoo announced Wednesday.
The cubs, whose genders are yet to be determined, were born Sept. 10 to 7-year-old mother Tamu and 8-year-old father Catali.
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IMAGES: Lion cubs born at zoo
This is Catali's first litter and Tamu's third. Tamu's first two litters were both single cubs, and the first one did not survive. Tamu's second cub, Gigi, is now a healthy 2-year-old who will be transferred to the Denver Zoo.
Tamu did not take to nursing Gigi, so she was hand-reared by staff and successfully reintroduced at 3 ½ months old. This time, Tamu has been seen attentively nursing, grooming and protecting her triplet cubs.
"It is like night and day to see Tamu taking such good care of her cubs. Last time she was pretty awkward, only partially taking care of Gigi, and at times showing little concern for her," said Dan Dembiec, supervisor of mammals at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. "This time she is very protective of all three, as a lioness should be, and won't leave their sides, grooming, cuddling, and nursing them. She has matured into a magnificent mother."
Animal staffers said they believe that Tamu is tending to this litter better after gaining valuable experience from having Gigi, but her improved motherly instincts may also be due to the larger litter, which might have triggered the necessary hormonal changes to stimulate her to be more motherly. Tamu had already started nursing the first two cubs before the third one was born.
"My new favorite part of my work day is getting to watch the cubs toddle around and witness Tamu being a sweet, tender mom instead of a ferocious lioness," said Pam Robie, mammal keeper at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. "In just two weeks, the cubs have already grown quite a bit, their eyes are open, and they're learning how to shuffle pretty well. It's amazing to get to see the progress with their development. "
Zoo staff hopes to have their first hands-on wellness exam with the cubs on Thursday morning. But if Tamu won't separate from the cubs, the exam will be delayed until she can be temporarily shifted into a separate den to allow staff to safely and quickly handle the cubs.
The cubs are not on exhibit yet, but there is a video monitor for guests to watch Tamu and the cubs nursing, grooming, playing and napping.
