Mina’s Cubs Debut at Lion Camp!
Posted at 6:09 pm November 2, 2006 by Marcia Redding
The long awaited day at the Wild Animal Park has finally arrived! Mina and her three cubs – Kamau, Zenda, and Mandisa, now nearly 3 1/2 months old – were released into the Lion Camp exhibit for the first time. (See Marcia’s previous blog, Lion Camp Update.)
Mina entered the exhibit immediately once she was given access; Kamau was the first cub to poke his head out of the release chute, but little sister Mandisa was the first to leave the chute entirely and enter the exhibit. This is totally in character for her; she has always been more adventurous than her two brothers. Soon all three were outside, exploring their new, expanded world. Mina was very relaxed; she checked out the new Railway station’s construction site in East Africa and glanced at the big yellow orb of the Balloon Safari. Unlike Oshana, who had been very nervous about the balloon, Mina appeared to remember it from before she took up residence in the maternity suite behind the scenes at Lion Camp.
The cubs very quickly gained confidence and began to run and play. Mina took everything in stride; the only time she showed concern was when the Balloon Safari made its first test flight. She may not have remembered that it rose into the air! The winch that raises and lowers the balloon makes a whirring noise. As soon as Mina heard it, she grabbed the closest cub and took him inside the chute. A few seconds later, she relaxed, and all three cubs continued their explorations. Mandisa found a stick and carried it around for a few minutes; the boys took turns pouncing on each other, their sister, and Mina.
All three cubs noticed the people on the other side of the viewing window at about the same time. Their fascination was comical. When they saw their first stroller pull up outside the window, they became wide eyed with wonder. Watching them see things for the first time is one of the best parts about having them on exhibit. Children of all ages and sizes will be a new experience also. What a wonderful opportunity for keepers and visitors alike!
For now, Mina and her litter will be on exhibit until 11 each morning. Oshana, Izu, and their cubs will be out in the afternoon. We will allow Mina and the cubs to become very familiar with the exhibit, then dad Izu will spend some time outside with his younger offspring as well. Come early and watch as our smallest cubs explore their new world!
Marcia Redding is a senior mammal keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
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November 3rd, 2006 at 6:45 am
Marcia, What a wonderful time it must have been watching the little ones come out and explore, all wide eyed and full of wonder. I’m sure that they really enjoyed themselves and when all was said and done, they must have been exhausted and took a good nap, all that fresh air and adventure. Welcome to our world, little ones, and many more happy adventures. Hope for more pictures and updates.
November 3rd, 2006 at 9:12 am
Does Mina show any reaction to the fact that Izu smells like Oshana’s cubs when he comes inside to socialize with Mina and the cubs near the socializing screen indoors?
It is interesting to see how each mother reacts to the presence of the other’s cubs, and also how Izu will react. Obviously there are now 4 more animal scents present in the enclosure. How quickly do the cubs start scent marking when they enter the enclosure? It would give each group some enrichment just to sniff who has been there lately. Part of the learning process for the cubs, and working toward the whole pride coming together in their home range.
November 3rd, 2006 at 10:49 am
Thanks for the update and the picture. I can’t wait to come visit…I was going to go to the zoo tomorrow to see the two tiger cubs before they move to their new home, but you might have just convinced me otherwise.
November 3rd, 2006 at 11:45 am
I squealed and made lots of ” ooh” and ” aah” sounds when I read the update (my co-workers know immediately what I am doing by the way – and ask ” What’s new at the zoo/WAP today?” ). I have got to come and see the new babies soon – they look absolutely adorable. What an exciting time for all!
November 3rd, 2006 at 12:54 pm
Mina looks like a proud and relaxed mom. She has her paws full with three busy little ones running about exploring. She would probably appreciate having Izu there to help teach and guide the young-ins around Lion Camp. I can’t wait to hear/see what it is like with 5 little ones running about pouncing on each other. They will have three very attentive parents nearby watching their every move and teaching them to be good lions.
Speaking of which, how is Etosha’s newest pregnancy coming? When do you anticipate the next birth? Will she be able to give birth naturally this time, or is there possibly another caesarian in the picture?
November 3rd, 2006 at 6:44 pm
Thanks for the beautful pictures of Mina and her babies, as they are truly God’s wonderful creation. I would love to seen an update of Cairo in your newsletter. Mina’s cubs are just precious. May they live a long and happy life in their sorroundings at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park.
November 6th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Hi,
Thanks for the wonderful update.They look sooo cute. Is there a video of their debut?
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November 6th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
Thanks you Marcia to the wonderful update and news that Mina and her cubs are finally out on exhibit. I can hardly wait to come out and see them. It is good to hear that Mama is more relaxed being out again and the cubs are enjoying their new found freedom. I too was wondering about Cairo, any updates?
I think this is just wonderful for the cubs all to be healthy and happy and soon we will be able to see all of them together hopefully without any problems.
November 10th, 2006 at 9:48 am
Is Etosha pregnant? Will she and M’Bari and their cubs be allowed in the same exhibit with Izu and his pride? Or, do you have them on exhibit separately due to possible challenges between the two males and their prides?
Is the male the head of a pride or are the females more dominant? Since Izu has two females, Oshana and Mina, it would seem that he is the protector of his pride, but one of them may be the dominant leader. Which of the two lionesses is the more dominant? How will that affect how they react to Izu being on exhibit with both sets of cubs?
You will have your hands very full, as will Izu, Oshana, and Mina with 5 little balls of energy running around and trying to get in Izu’s mane and catch his tail!
Editor’s note: Etosha and M’Bari live at a different lion exhibit at the Park; it is located across from the tigers.
November 10th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
Thanks, ” Editor” for the correction of where Etosha and M’Bari live. It didn’t seem likely that the two prides would co-exist in the same exhibit area. You will have double the pleasure and double the fun if/when Etosha has some cubs.
It has been several years since I personally visited either SDZ or WAP. They are my favorites, and I tell everyone I know that is visiting San Diego that they must go to both. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed both parks. I hope to make it back sometime in the next couple of years. I wish I could get there before so many animals go to other parks, but I will have to be content with seeing new little ones yet to be born.
November 18th, 2006 at 9:12 am
Love your site!!!
November 19th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Those lion cubs are adorable. They sound cute too! It reminds me of the time I went and saw the lion cubs at the Kansas city zoo–aw man they were cute for an 8-year-old like me.
Crystle and Reagan