Fort Worth Zoo welcomes lion cub

The Fort Worth Zoo in Texas introduced the arrival of its first lion cub since 2015 — a male cub named Moja. 

“Surprise! We’ve been keeping a secret,” the zoo wrote in a Jan. 11, 2024, publish on its Facebook web page.

“Meet the latest (and arguably the cutest) little addition to the lion satisfaction!” 

BABY ELEPHANT, 218 POUNDS, IS BORN AT WALT DISNEY WORLD: ‘ADORABLE’

The cub was born on Oct. 20, 2023, stated the Fort Worth Zoo, to mom, Saba, and father, Jabulani. 

His identify means “one” in Swahili, the zoo stated.

Moja, a male lion cub (proven right here), was born on Oct. 20, 2023, stated the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas in a January publish asserting the animal’s arrival.  (Fort Worth Zoo)

The identify “seemed fitting, as he is Saba’s first cub,” stated the zoo. 

He can be the primary cub to be born on the Fort Worth Zoo’s “Predators of Asia & Africa” lion habitat, the group stated. 

The exhibit opened in June 2023.

Moja’s dad and mom, together with one other feminine lion, Abagabae, had been born in South Africa, stated the Fort Worth Zoo. 

EMPEROR PENGUIN IS HATCHED AT SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO, THE FIRST IN MORE THAN A DECADE

The zoo is a part of a lion breeding program with different zoos in North America. 

When Saba, Jabulani and Abagabae arrived on the zoo in 2012, they launched “a new bloodline of lions into North America, varying the gene pool,” the zoo stated.

“The birth of Moja is both a conservation success and another advancement in diversifying the African lion bloodline in the United States,” stated the Fort Worth Zoo.

Moja (above) has already grown significantly, stated the Fort Worth Zoo. When he was born, he was beneath three kilos. He now weighs 16 kilos.  (Fort Worth Zoo)

Moja now weighs 16 kilos, the zoo famous in a launch. 

That’s almost six instances as a lot as he weighed at 4 days outdated when he tipped the scales at simply 2.7 kilos. 

“For the last few months, Moja has been behind the scenes growing and bonding with [his] mom, while keepers have kept a close eye on his development and well-being,” stated the zoo.

ELEPHANTS AT MILWAUKEE ZOO HAVE SMASHING ‘GOURD’ TIME WITH GIANT PUMPKINS

Moja has but to satisfy his father and the different feminine grownup lion on the zoo, stated the Fort Worth Zoo — however this may occur “in the near future” as he continues to develop.

For now, the main target is making certain that Moja continues to satisfy milestones and grows greater and stronger. 

“The littlest lion is starting to practice some innate behaviors, as he often plays with Saba’s tail as well as chews on her hind quarters to imitate predator-prey behaviors,” stated the Fort Worth Zoo.

Moja has not but met the opposite lions on the zoo — however he’ll within the close to future, stated the Fort Worth Zoo. (Fort Worth Zoo)

Additionally, his mom Saba “is exhibiting ideal maternal demeanors, including allowing frequent nursing opportunities, and bathing, playing and carrying the cub as she moves about the den.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

It’s not but clear when the general public will be capable to see the Fort Worth Zoo’s latest arrival, as a consequence of a wide range of components. 

“Because this is the first cub born in the new Predators of Asia & Africa lion habitat, zookeepers want to be sure Moja is big and strong enough to navigate the new space, including the water features,” stated the zoo. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The climate, too, will play a job in when Moja emerges from “behind the scenes” on the zoo. 

“As he continues to grow, the animal care team will determine when a public debut can take place,” stated the Fort Worth Zoo. 

For extra Lifestyle articles, go to www.foxnews.com/life-style.