Racine –  The Racine Zoo proudly announces the birth of two Transvaal lion cubs – one male and one female.  The cubs are the second litter born to proud parents, Elsa and Aslan.  Elsa gave birth on Tuesday, March 16 with both cubs born between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The female and male cubs weigh approximately 5.4 kg. and 4.9 kg. respectively. Both mother and cubs are doing very well, hitting all health and developmental benchmarks.

According to Theresa Donarski, Animal Care Supervisor, “We knew there was a high likelihood that Elsa would give birth again.  She and Aslan proved to be great parents to the four cubs born a few years ago.  Elsa is definitely more comfortable this time, though. She will leave the cubs in their den and go outside for short stretches, allowing us to easily access the cubs for health screenings.”

The cubs are in quarantine -- thus not yet on exhibit due to the process of acclimating them to their family and environment. Quarantine ends on Thursday, May 27 when they go on exhibit in the Vanishing Kingdom historic main building for the Members Appreciation event.  They are currently scheduled for public viewing starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29th. They will then be on exhibit daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

We’ve had a tough time keeping their births quiet, but wanted to be sure they were healthy and Elsa was taking good care of them prior to sharing this exciting news.  We are thrilled to offer another pride of lions to the community and equally excited that Johnson Bank is once again on board to sponsor ‘The Pride of Racine’,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO, Racine Zoo.

Johnson Bank has a rich history of supporting the Racine Zoo and its lions.  Sponsoring Elsa and Aslan’s arrival to the Zoo in November 2005 with the intent they would one day mate, Johnson Bank sponsored the first “Pride of Racine” in 2007, when the pair had their first litter.

In the next few weeks, the Zoo will announce details of its “Name the Cubs” contest presented by Johnson Bank and The Journal Times.

“We know people enjoy suggesting names for the lions.  Elsa and Aslan and their first litter of Kwame, Kya, Bomani and Jabari, were all named by members of the community. We’re excited to get the community involved and offer this naming contest again,” said Tom Mahoney, President, Johnson Bank.

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 Racine Zoo is open daily.  Current hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fees are: Members and children under 3: FREE, children 3 – 15: $4.00, seniors $5.00 and adults $6.00.

The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.