PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo is welcoming two new members to its pride — a pair of adorable lion cubs!
These cubs are the first African lions born at the Phoenix Zoo since 1976, the zoo said as part of their announcement.
It'll be a while before the cubs are ready to make their public debut, as the little lions are still being closely cared for by their mother, Zuri. Zoo staff will be keeping a close eye on the pair before performing their first exams next month.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: El zoológico de Phoenix le da la bienvenida a los primeros cachorros de león en casi 50 años
The sex of the cubs is currently unknown, and it could be some time before they get names of their own.
Zuri, the cubs' mother, came to the Phoenix Zoo from the Pueblo Zoo in Colorado last October. Boboo, their father, has been with the zoo since 2019 after he came to Phoenix from the Columbus Zoo.
Boboo and Kamara, Zuri's sister, will still be viewable in their habitat during zoo hours. Boboo and Zuri were paired on recommendation from the Lion Species Survival Plan.
The cubs need to grow up some more before the public can see them in person, but the Phoenix Zoo promises to keep people updated on how they're doing.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
WE ❤ ARIZONA
Explore amAZing people, places and things across our state on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
