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CBC Manitoba - Lion cubs make appearance at city zoo

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Lion cubs make appearance at city zoo
Last Updated Jul 4 2005 01:54 PM CDT
CBC News

For the first time in 25 years, visitors to Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo can see lion cubs.

The cubs were born at the end of April to a pair of lions on loan to the zoo. In fact, the zoo did not confirm the female, Savannah, was pregnant until the two male cubs were born.

The cubs were kept in seclusion until they were old enough to be vaccinated. They and their mother have just begun venturing into their outer enclosure, next to the enclosure for their father, Vince.

Zoo officials say the two cubs have "big feet and charming faces."

The zoo is launching a "name the lion cubs" contest. Entries must be made by visiting the zoo before closing on Aug. 2. The winner, who will receive a lion-themed gift basket, will be chosen by a team of zoo staff and children who attend the zoo's camp.

The Assiniboine Park Zoo hasn't had lions since 1982. The lion family is on loan for the summer through the zoo's Animal Encounters program.

The zoo plans to give up the animals when cold weather returns this fall, since it doesn't have the facilities to keep them year-round.

Links related to this story:

ASSINIBOINE ZOO: More on the zoo

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"Name the two male lion cubs" contest? I would name them .. ZEUSSIE and MAXXIE .. of course! I plan to visit the zoo before the August 2, 2005 deadline.

HART
PetLvr.com