A roar of anticipation is sweeping through Werribee Open Range Zoo as three curious lion cubs reach another exciting life milestone.
The eight-week-old-cubs have started exploring beyond their den, stepping into the expanses of the lion pride habitat for 30 minutes before disappearing back into their den.
Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim said it’s exciting to see the cubs embark on a new adventure while their supportive mother, Nilo [pronounced: Nee-lo], keeps a close watch.
“It’s wonderful to see the cubs growing in both stature and confidence,” Dr Pilgrim said.
“They are incredibly inquisitive, climbing over logs, up and down mounds, and participating in all the playful behaviours that we hope to see from eight-week-old cubs.
“After some exploring and play, the cubs are at an age where they tire very quickly. Mum Nilo then guides them back into the comforts of their den to rest and feed.”
Zoo visitors should be able to see the cubs out with the pride more frequently in coming weeks.
“There are currently small periods where the cubs are being gradually introduced to their habitat. This is all part of a specially designed plan that aims to replicate how lion cubs integrate with their environment and pride members in the wild,“ Dr Pilgrim said.
“Viewing opportunities for zoo visitors are still extremely limited. We encourage Zoo members and visitors to continue to check Zoos Victoria’s website and social channels – zoo.org.au and @zoosvictoria – for updates about when the cubs will be visible for extended periods of time.“
The cubs will be named through a voting competition for Zoos Victoria members and donors commencing on World
Lion Day on August 10.
