3 Healthy African Lion Cubs Born At Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK, MI — The Detroit Zoo is celebrating the birth of three new African lion cubs.

The three healthy African lion cubs were born to 9-year-old lioness mom Amirah and dad Kalu, zoo officials announced Monday.

Zoo officials said Amirah is a first-time mom, who has remained "wonderfully calm, attentive and nurturing," while spending her days closely bonding with her little ones in a cozy, quiet den.

The news comes as zoo officials say African lions face extinction in some parts of the world due to habitat loss, declining prey, disease and human-wildlife conflict.

"Welcoming these cubs is not only heartwarming — it’s a meaningful milestone in the Detroit Zoo’s commitment to conservation and the future of this iconic species," Zoo officials said.

Zoo officials said Amirah and her cubs will stay in their den and away from the public for now as they continue to grow. They believe the cubs will be visible to the public in a few months, once they are ready to explore larger spaces.

As for the other African lions, including dad Kalu and aunt Asha, zoo officials said they may or may not choose to spend time in their outdoor habitat during this time.

A fourth cub, who was born significantly later than the others, died.

"While this is a natural part of life for many wild species, we remain grateful that Amirah and her three cubs are doing well," Zoo officials said.