New baby lion grooms itself in video shared by Pittsburgh Zoo
The Pittsburgh Zoo welcomed a new lion cub and shared a behind-the-scenes video of it learning to groom itself.
- The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium welcomed a new female lion cub on April 5.
- The currently unnamed cub will likely make her public debut in late summer.
- The cub and her mother are currently in a private den to bond, mimicking natural behaviors.
This summer, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will have a new “mane” attraction after a cub’s birth in April.
The female cub, born to nine-year-old parents Scarlett and Hondo, came into the world on April 5.
Scarlett and her cub were residing in a private maternity den as of May 20, the zoo said in a release. Here’s when you’ll be able to see them.
When can I see Pittsburgh Zoo’s new lion cub?
The lion cub, who doesn’t have a name yet, will likely make her public debut in late summer. The zoo is waiting until the cub shows strong mobility skills before placing her in the public lion habitat. In the meantime, adult lions are still out and about and can be seen by zoo visitors.
Where is Pittsburgh Zoo’s lion cub?
As of May 20, the cub and Scarlett were in a quiet area away from the public to let them bond, with veterinarians routinely performing health checkups.
This, according to the zoo, is to mimic how lions and their cubs would behave in the wild: Lionesses seek out isolated shelters where they can hunker down with their young until the cubs are strong enough to join their pride.
How big is Pittsburgh Zoo’s lion cub?
The zoo didn’t say exactly how big the lion cub was, but it said cubs typically weigh about two or three pounds when they’re born. Much like domestic cats, lion cubs are born blind, with their eyes opening within a week or two.
“The cub is doing great and exceeding milestones,” Assistant Curator of Mammals Karen Vacco said. “Scarlett is an excellent mother and has been caring for the cub well. Animal care staff are carefully monitoring healthy nursing patterns and normal maternal behavior.”
When did Pittsburgh Zoo last have lion cubs?
It’s been nearly six years since a lion cub was born at Pittsburgh Zoo. The last birth was in July 2020, when lioness Abana mothered three cubs.
Pittsburgh cub’s birth marks ‘major victory’ for species survival
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium noted that the birth of the cub marks a “major victory” for the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s Lion Species Survival Plan. The plan is a national effort to ensure genetic diversity in animals in human care.
In the wild, African lions are vulnerable, as they face threats from habitat loss, conflict with humans and declining prey. Successfully rearing lion cubs is part of conservation efforts to help the future of the species, the zoo said.
How much do Pittsburgh Zoo tickets cost?
Tickets to visit the zoo between May 22 and September 7 cost between $31 and $36, depending on the specific ticket you opt for. On May 21, there are single-day tickets that range in price from $20 to $24.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
