Lioness Kaya gave birth to five cubs at Reid Park Zoo right before Christmas, officials said.
Four cubs — a female and three males — survived the birth on Dec. 23. The fifth cub, a female, died shortly after she was born, said Kristen Metzger, education supervisor for the zoo.
Five cubs in a litter is unusual, and most litters typically are two to three cubs, Metzger said.
Meanwhile, “all four cubs are gaining weight, but veterinary staff remain concerned about one male who has slow weight gain and appears weaker than the others,” Metzger said.
“He is the runt of the litter. Hopefully he will catch up with his brothers and sister,” she said.
Kaya and her cubs remain behind the scenes and may be introduced to the public in about six to eight weeks.
They have access to two bedrooms and a cub den, which is a cavelike room with minimal lighting and temperature regulation to reduce stress and human intrusion, Metzger said.
Kaya is eating well and nursing the cubs.
Shombay, the father, has been separated from his family for safety reasons, Metzger said.
“He can see them and he is clearly very curious, and does not like to be separated from Kaya,” Metzger said.
This is Shombay and Kaya’s second litter at the zoo. Kaya delivered three cubs in July 2011. All three are at other accredited zoos.
