The Pride of Racine Presented by Johnson Bank
Tiny Lion Cub - Photo by Beth Rich.
Three of four lion cubs. - Photo by Cydney Peterson.
The Racine Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of four lion cubs. The cubs were born to proud parents, Elsa and Aslan on Thursday, September 6 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
At this time, the lion cubs are not on exhibit. They are still in their den becoming accustomed to each other and their surroundings. The cubs are busy being cleaned and nursed by mom, Elsa, and practicing walking and romping with dad, Aslan nearby. The cubs are expected to be ready for exhibit in the Vanishing Kingdom historic building in approximately six weeks.
"We could not be more excited about the birth of the cubs. We are all like proud parents!" said Jay Christie, Racine Zoological Society president and CEO.
Thanks to the support from Johnson Bank, Elsa and Aslan were brought to the Racine Zoo in November 2005 with the intent that they would one day produce offspring. The Racine Zoo works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) program to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
The Zoos last lion births before the current litter came in 1994, when three were born.
