For Immediate Release: April 13, 2018
Zoo’s Litter of Lion Cubs will Help Bolster the Vulnerable African Lion Population
[Columbia, SC] — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to announce that the Zoo’s African lion pride has grown.
First-time mom, Thabisa, delivered three healthy offspring on Tuesday, April 10. The first cub arrived at 12:02pm, the second arrived at 3:23pm, and the third arrived at 5:15pm.
“Animal births always are very exciting for Riverbanks and the community,” said John Davis, director of animal care and welfare at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Thabisa is being a great mom. She is bonding well with her offspring and nursing is going exactly as it should.”
The Zoo also is expecting a litter of little lions from Thabisa’s sister, Lindelani. The three-year-old lionesses both came to Riverbanks in May of 2017 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) African Lion Species Survival Plan® (SSP).
“We anticipate that Lindelani will deliver any day now,” Davis said. “Any and all of the births are a significant contribution to the SSP and sustainability of the species.”
For nearly 40 years, SSPs have ensured the continued existence of African lions and other select wildlife through breeding and transfer plans among AZA-accredited organizations. Because of the leadership, care and dedication of AZA professionals, the managed African lion population has risen to nearly 400 animals—297 of which are pedigreed.
The last lion cubs raised at Riverbanks were born in June of 2008. Those offspring also were fathered by the Zoo’s 13-year-old male lion, Zuri. Davis adds that Zuri will slowly be introduced to Thabisa, Lindelani and the cubs to prevent any distractions for the first-time mothers.
The lion cubs will remain off exhibit until they are about three months old and large enough to be introduced to the outdoor habitat. An opportunity to name the cubs will be announced following Lindelani’s delivery.