Baby Lion Cubs Get First Vet Exam

The four baby lion cubs that we have been following on the lion cub webcam since they were born at the Smithsonian National Zoo August 31 got their first physical exam today, and their first mug shots. All four cubs appear to be female, although it is hard to tell at such a young age. […]
Image may contain Animal Mammal Wildlife and Lion

The four baby lion cubs that we have been following on the lion cub webcam since they were born at the Smithsonian National Zoo August 31 got their first physical exam today, and their first mug shots.

All four cubs appear to be female, although it is hard to tell at such a young age. They all weigh between 7 and 8 pounds right now.

“They were great first-time patients and all four cubs appear to be healthy at this time,” veterinarian Katharine Hope at the National Zoo said in a press release. “Their eyes are starting to focus on things, their hearts and lungs sound clear, they are all strong and in good body condition and it looks like some of their lower teeth will start erupting soon.”

In 2009 the mortality rate for cubs younger than 1 year old in captivity was about 30 percent, compared to 67 mortality rate for cubs in the wild, so the animal care staff are cautiously optimistic that all of them will remain healthy.

Images: Smithsonian National Zoo

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