The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Lion Cubs: The Birth of Dunia and the Birth of a Great-Man with a Little Lion
The cubs were born September 26, according to a news release from the zoo. Dunia went into labor at 715 a.m., according to the release.
One day, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s newest residents will be massive predators capable of taking down huge prey in the wild. But for now, each cub is less than 3 pounds, the release explained.
The lions will not be seen by visitors, according to the release. After receiving their vaccinations, they will be introduced to other members of the pride.
African lions are not currently being classified as “endangered”, but are still considered vulnerable, with 75% of their populations declining, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Habitat loss, prey decline and conflict with humans continue to threaten African lions, of which there are around 23,000 left in the wild.
“The last time there were lion cubs at the Zoo, we held a naming contest and we’re continuing with tradition!” the zoo wrote on its Facebook page. Fans are being asked to cast their votes for the naming of Dunia’s lioncubs.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a team of experts who manage species populations in zoos and aquariums, advised the zoo that Dunia should breed with the zoo’s male lion, Hubert.