Mission Statement
Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 22309 Indianapolis, IN 46222.0309
The Indianapolis Zoo
empowers people and
communities, both
locally and globally,
to advance animal
conservation.
317.630.2001 ph
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 20, 2015
Zoo’s Lion Pride Welcomes Three Adorable Cubs
New exhibit will allow up-close viewing when cubs debut in spring 2016
INDIANAPOLIS — With their awesome strength and intense beauty, lions are one of Africa’s
most iconic animals. Yet as these regal cats are in decline in the wild, three adorable newborns
at the Indianapolis Zoo will help inspire awareness and support for conservation of the species.
Media Contacts
Judy Palermo
PR Senior Manager
317-630-2010
[email protected]
Carla Knapp
PR Specialist
317-630-3257
[email protected]
Melanie Laurendine
Conservation PR Specialist
317-630-3265
[email protected]
The African lion cubs, two males and a female, were born on Sept. 21 to first-time parents,
mother Zuri and father Nyack. When Zookeepers arrived that day, they found that 9-year-old
Zuri had already delivered her first cub sometime during the night or early morning. The
others followed around 10am and 1:15pm. These are the first lions born at the Zoo since 2003.
Adult lions are one of the most fearsome predators on Africa’s plains, yet newborns are
defenseless and rely solely on their mothers for survival. Zuri has shown excellent maternal
behavior and is a caring, protective mom to her trio.
The youngsters are nursing well and growing, currently weighing between 7.5 and 9.5 pounds.
Like all lion cubs, the Zoo’s babies were born with mottled fur. Their dark spots will eventually
fade, though some young adults still show hints of brown in their sleek, golden coats.
Zuri and her cubs will remain indoors for several months to protect the health of the
newborns. The family is expected to make its debut in spring 2016, and at that time guests will
be able to get closer than ever before. Renovations are currently under way at the lion exhibit
presented by MainSource Bank, where new glass windows and expanded viewing areas will
allow visitors to get within inches of the ferocious felines.
Even before visitors have a chance to come face to fuzzy face with the new cubs, they can vote
on the babies’ names through a poll on the Zoo’s Facebook page. More details will be
announced soon. Indianapolis Zoo babies are presented by Hendricks Regional Health.
In the wild, lions are the only big cats that live in family groups, called prides. Males,
distinguishable by their thick, dark manes, are the defenders of the pride and its territory,
while the females hunt and provide for the group.
A formidable combination of power and prowess, these big cats have no natural predators. Yet
lion populations throughout Africa have declined by an estimated 42 percent in the past 21
years due mainly to conflicts with humans, including poachers, farmers and trophy hunters. As
a result, African lions are vulnerable to extinction. The Indianapolis Zoo is helping to preserve
Africa’s biodiversity by supporting multiple conservation efforts there. Additionally, the lions
at the Zoo serve as ambassadors, helping to raise awareness for the threats the species faces.
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About the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance
animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is
accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of
Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com