Detroit Zoo Welcomes Three African Lion Cubs, Boosting Conservation Efforts
The Detroit Zoo announced the birth of three African lion cubs to Amirah, a 6-year-old lioness, on November 28, 2025. The cubs, whose sex has not yet been determined, are a significant win for the zoo’s conservation program and for the vulnerable species as a whole.
African lions are listed as vulnerable to extinction and endangered in some regions, facing threats from 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,” the zoo stated in an instagram post.
The cubs are currently being cared for indoors and are expected to be visible to guests in a few months, onc they are mobile and ready to explore larger spaces. Amirah also gave birth to a fourth cub,born later than the others,which unfortunately did not survive. “While this is a natural part of life for many wild species, we remain grateful that Amirah and her three cubs are doing well,” the zoo said.
The Detroit Zoo’s lion pride consists of Amirah and Asha, both females who have been at the zoo since 2019, and Kalu, a male lion who joined the pride in November 2024. Zoo officials noted that Kalu and Asha may or may not spend time in the outdoor habitat while Amirah and the cubs remain indoors.
Those interested in observing the Detroit Zoo’s animals can view live cameras focused on Japanese macaques, sea otters, and penguins at https://detroitzoo.org/live-cam/.
