Lion gives birth to first cubs born at Riverbanks zoo in a decade

For the first time in nearly a decade, some little lions soon will be running around the Riverbanks Zoo .

Three lion cubs were born Tuesday afternoon at the zoo, according to a Riverbanks statement.

Their mom, Thabisa, delivered the cubs over a five-hour period, and all the cubs were healthy.

"Animal births always are very exciting for Riverbanks and the community," said John Davis, director of animal care and welfare at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "Thabisa is being a great mom. She is bonding well with her offspring and nursing is going exactly as it should."

Thabisa's cubs will soon be joined by some cousins. Lindelani, Thabisa's sister, is expected to deliver her own litter any day now.

Once all the cubs are born, they will be introduced slowly to their father, Zuri.

The little lions won't be on display until they are about 3 months old.

Thabisa and Lindelani came to the zoo in May 2017. The zoo announced their pregnancies in March.

The last litter of lions born at the Riverbanks Zoo was delivered in June 2008, according to the statement.

This story was originally published April 13, 2018 at 10:56 AM with the headline "Lion gives birth to first cubs born at Riverbanks zoo in a decade."