JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens welcomed the birth of lion cub triplets.
The triplets were born Sept. 10 to Tamu, mother, and Catali, father. The genders of the cubs are unknown at this time.
Tamu has been seen nursing, grooming and protecting her cubs.
Tamu had two previous litters. The cub from her first litter did not survive, and in the second litter she didn't take to nursing the cub, Gigi. The staff then hand-reared the cub and successfully reintroduced her to Tamu.
“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.”
The zoo staff hope to do the first hands-on wellness exam Sept. 25 at 7:30 a.m. However, the zoo said if Tamu won’t separate from the cubs, the exam will be delayed until she can be temporarily shifted into a separate den.
“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. ”