Three African lion cubs were born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Sept. 22.
The first arrived about 1:30 p.m., the second a half-hour later, and the third cub was born about 8:30 p.m. Lion cubs have not been born at the Columbus Zoo since 1985.
These cubs are the first for mother Asali and father Tomo. The pairing of Asali and Tomo was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) for African lions. The AZA, of which the Columbus Zoo is an accredited member, strives to maintain a sustainable population of lions in North America.
Currently, there are 349 African lions in 98 institutions in North America. Of those 349 animals, only 176 are “pedigreed” meaning lions with known ancestry. The Columbus Zoo lions are one of only 31 pairs of pedigreed lions recommended for breeding by the SSP to maintain genetic diversity.