Baby Lion Cubs Make Debut : Big Pic
-
May 24, 2011 -- These cuddly lion cubs made their public debut on May 19, 2011, at the Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, Germany.
The two male cubs, Batou and Bandele, and two female cubs, Naledi and Sakina, were born seven weeks ago.
SEE ALSO: Birth of 'Ligers' at Zoo Sparks Controversy
Lions are considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and there are breeding programs at zoos across the world.
The Smithsonian National Zoo recently welcomed four cubs after suffering the tragic loss of a cub last year.
Lion cub mortality rates are generally high. About 30 percent of cubs in captivity die in their first year compared with 67 percent in the wild, according to the Smithsonian.
BIG PIC: Lion Cubs Get First Check-Up
Zoos, such as the Smithsonian, even ensure lion cubs can swim before being placed in zoo enclosures that include ponds.
Photo credit: Christian Charisius/dpa/Corbis
-
our sites
-
video
-
shop
-
stay connected
-
corporate
comments ( )