Moxy gave birth to three lion cubs this past weekend. Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/HonoluluZoo
By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)—A Honolulu Zoo lioness named Moxy gave birth to three lively cubs the evening of Saturday, December 15.
All reports indicate that the birth went smoothly. The first cub was born at 7:15 pm, the second at 9 pm and the last at 10 pm. Zoo veterinary staff were immediately notified and are closely monitoring Moxy and her cubs.
This 4 year-old lioness was obtained through a breeding loan with New York’s Bronx Zoo in November 2010, coordinated through Species Survival Program (SSP) guidelines.
Her mate, Ekundu, or “Red” in Swahili, arrived in Honolulu on July 1, 2010, from the San Diego Wildlife Park. Ekundu is 5 years old and also part of a breeding loan program governed by SSP.
Zoo Mammal Specialist Robert Porec said the staff will work carefully with Moxy. Her keeper will provide fresh food and water but not approach her or the three cubs.
Porec said the lioness and her cubs will remain in their birthing quarters for the near future, which will have access to two sleeping quarters.
The cubs will be allowed as far as a day pen, but won’t be viewable by the public until cleared by Zoo Veterinarian Ben Okimoto.