Bring Your Cubs to See Our Cubs

Four Lion Cubs On Exhibit Saturday

RACINE — The Racine Zoo is pleased to announce the four Transvaal lion cubs will go on exhibit to the general public on Saturday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. However, Zoo members will get the first glimpse of the cubs at the Members Only Sneak Peek Event presented by Johnson Bank from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

The cubs will mostly likely be on exhibit indoors in the Vanishing Kingdom historic building. However, if weather permits or if mother, Elsa, feels most comfortable, they may be on exhibit at the outdoor exhibit, Big Cat Canyon.

"We hope that Elsa cooperates with our plan. We know the public is anxious to meet the Pride of Racine Presented By Johnson Bank. However, the spectators and the noise associated with a crowd could make Elsa a little tentative. We´ve been working with the group to make sure everyone feels comfortable in order to make it an exciting occasion for all involved &mdash both human and feline," said Jay Christie, President and CEO, Racine Zoo.

After Saturday, the lion cubs will likely be on exhibit from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. As will all animals at the Zoo, the cubs will have access to their "off exhibit" area from time to time so there is a chance they will not be visible periodically. Additionally, with the lion cubs, their availability will also be dependant upon Elsa and her continued comfort regarding the safety of her cubs as they are exposed to the general public.

Elsa and Aslan, the four cubs´ mother and father, were brought to the Racine Zoo in November 2008 with the intent that they would one day breed. The Racine Zoo works with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association´s (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. Hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The winter admission price, starting November 1, is 2 dollars for adults, 1 dollar for children 3–15, 1 dollar and fifty cents for seniors. Zoo members and children under three are free. 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.