Audubon Zoo is roaring with pride to announce the birth of three African lion cubs! Born on October 19, 2025, to mother Kali and father Arnold. This marks the second litter for the lion pair and also makes history for Audubon as the first time lions at Audubon Zoo have had three surviving cubs in a litter.
Kali and her cubs will remain behind the scenes for approximately 12 weeks to allow time for bonding, vaccinations, and a gradual introduction to the rest of the pride. According to Audubon Zoo's animal care team, the cubs are healthy and active, and Kali is showing excellent maternal care.
“Every lion cub birth is vital to the survival of this iconic species,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. These cubs are part of the African Lion Species Survival Plan, which promotes healthy, genetically diverse populations within Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions.
In the wild, African lions can have litters every two years. In human care, lion populations are closely monitored and planned through the Species Survival Plan.
Kali and Arnold’s first litter, born in 2020, consisted of two male cubs who have since moved to other AZA-accredited zoos to begin their own prides. Prior to that litter, the last birth of lions at Audubon was in 1984 when Audubon Zoo was home to Asiatic Lions.
Over the past 25 years, Africa’s lion population has declined by half due to habitat loss, poaching, and reduced prey availability, and they are listed as a “vulnerable” species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are designated as an AZA SAFE Species, and AZA institutions are working with partners in Africa to reduce human-wildlife conflict, improve population monitoring, and protect critical habitats. While Kali and the cubs remain in their private habitat, the rest of the pride – dad Arnold and aunts Nia and Zuri – will continue to enjoy the full exhibit space.
“Our dedicated animal care team has worked tirelessly to get this pride ready for these new arrivals,” said Daine Appleberry, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Audubon Zoo. “Watching these cubs grow will inspire our guests to learn more about lions and how to protect them.”
Although the cubs won’t make their public debut for several more weeks, Audubon Zoo will share regular updates – affectionately to be known as “CUBdates” – on social media to share the latest in their development. Find more information here.
