It’s a big world out there, but Audubon Zoo’s three lion cubs are ready for the challenge!
The lion cub trio—Nandi, Tatu, and Zawadi—are now big enough to begin exploring their expansive habitat, with their parents and aunts keeping a watchful eye. The cubs were born on October 19, 2025, and have spent the past several months behind the scenes at the Zoo growing, bonding, and receiving care from animal staff.
After several health checkups and vaccinations, the cubs are now old enough to venture outdoors into their 12,000-square-foot habitat. While they are eager to play outside, the cubs are still too young to have the thick fur and insulation of adult lions. For their health and safety, the youngsters are only allowed outdoors when the weather is sunny, and temperatures reach at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are too cool or rainy, the cubs will remain behind the scenes until warmer weather returns.
Audubon Members will have the opportunity to enter the Zoo early on Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8, 2026, to be among the first to see the cubs exploring their habitat. On these days, Members may enter the Zoo at 9:00 a.m.—an hour earlier than usual—to watch the playful trio enjoy the outdoor space. Additional activities and keeper chats will be offered to educate guests about the cubs and the rest of the pride.
CLICK HERE TO SEE ADORABLE VIDEO OF CUBS and MOM |
African lions, like those at Audubon Zoo, are listed as a vulnerable species in the wild due to increasing threats from prey loss, habitat destruction, and poaching. Audubon Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction program, which partners with organizations in Africa to protect lions and support sustainable conservation efforts.
