watch video of one of the newborn lion cubs

African Lioness Kiki Gives Birth to a Litter of Little Ones

ATLANTA – June 2, 2008 – Zoo Atlanta is excited about the birth of a litter of cubs to African lioness Kiki and her mate Kamau. Kiki gave birth to three live and two still-born cubs.  Zoo Atlanta’s animal care team is watching one of the cubs closely as it is much smaller than the other two. “We will continue to observe Kiki and her cubs closely. She appears to be a great first time mother,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Senior Vice President of Collections, Education and Conservation.

Kiki is one of four African lions at Zoo Atlanta. She was born on February 3, 2004, at Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens. She arrived at Zoo Atlanta in December of 2005. Kamau was born on September 2, 2004. He came to Zoo Atlanta from the Denver Zoological Garden in October of 2005.

“We’re ecstatic to have lion cubs here at Zoo Atlanta. This is a proud moment for all of Atlanta, another landmark day in our great city’s history. We are committed to taking personal responsibility for the animals in our care,” said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta President and CEO. The African lion is classified as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species because of declining populations in the wild.

Zoo Atlanta’s cubs are estimated to be between 3 and 5 pounds, and will most likely have their first check-up when Zoo officials determine it is possible without disrupting maternal care.

Kamau, father, is currently alternating on exhibit and separated from Kiki and cubs. Zoo Atlanta’s animal care team will introduce father and cubs in about six weeks. The cubs will be introduced to zoo members and guests when they are between 7-12 weeks old. Until then, images of the cubs will be available on this website.

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