Phoenix Zoo welcomes 2 African lion cubs for 1st time in nearly 50 years

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo welcomed two African lion cubs on Monday, as six-year-old lioness Zuri and eight-year-old Boboo had their first litter.

The cubs are the Phoenix Zoo’s first African lion cubs since 1976.

Zuri has been at the Phoenix Zoo since October, coming from the Pueblo Zoo in Colorado. Boboo, who was born at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, has been with the Phoenix Zoo since 2019. The parents received a recommendation to breed from the Lion Species Survival Plan.

Zoo officials say the cubs will “spend several months in a cozy den box, behind the scenes before they are ready to venture out and make their public debut.” For now, zookeepers provide Zuri and the cubs space without intervening.

Officials do not know the sex of either cub yet, as neonate exams will take place in July.

The zoo will continue to provide updates on its social accounts, such as this video:

No lion, we have some big news to share… & we p(r)aw-mise it’s definitely worth roaring about!

On June 3, six-year-old lioness Zuri gave birth to 2 lion cubs. These are the first African lions born at the Zoo since 1976. And, the first litter for Zuri & eight-year-old Boboo. pic.twitter.com/OltmOuadYt

— Phoenix Zoo (@phoenixzoo) June 10, 2024

The Phoenix Zoo is in its summer schedule through August with the zoo open from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. with an earlier 6 a.m. start time for members.

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