Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Four lion cubs made their first public appearance at the Buffalo Zoo on Thursday morning after spending two months behind the scenes bonding with their mother.
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The cubs, two males and two females, are around 11 weeks old with each weighing approximately 18 pounds.
"They're very precocious and growing very well. They're climbing, they're playing, they're still very much bonded with mom," said Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Lisa Smith on Thursday.
The cubs had to receive their required vaccines prior to being shown to the public. Smith says the cubs are very healthy and the Zoo has no health concerns.
With young animals, though, come some reservations.
"As with any time we put baby animals on an exhibit we are a little nervous. We're making sure the exhibit is babyproofed as much as we can so that they don't get into trouble when they come out," Smith noted.
As for the mom and dad, named Lusaka and Tiberius, this is the third litter of lion cubs they have produced. Smith says compared to other zoos, they've been lucky with how frequently Lusaka and Tiberius have been able to produce new litters as this is the third set of cubs born at the Zoo since 2016.
Guests can visit the cubs from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. ET through this weekend. Smith says depending on how the cubs are behaving those hours may be extended. Hours may also change depending on if there is inclement weather.
More from Smith is available in the player below: