Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden were thrilled after their resident lion gave birth to five healthy cubs, even though they only expected four.

On May 22, 2024, the Oklahoma City Zoo shared an update on their resident lion and the adorable new cubs. Take a look!

In a 35-second video, the zoo showed fans the sweet new cubs and provided a few details on the surprise birth.

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“It’s with great PRIDE that we share that Dunia gave birth to 5 little lion cubs on Monday, May 20!” the post began.

Their resident lion, Dunia, went into labor at 4:30 and had her first baby at 11:30 in the morning.

“Dunia then surprised us all by giving birth to a fifth cub later in the evening!” the video shared. “Caretakers monitored Dunia during birth to ensure she and her cubs were stable.”

The post included a video of the mama and her new babies. They’re cuddling together, and they’re all so cute. Mama looks tired, but her babies all look happy, healthy, and hungry.

“Since the opening of Lion Overlook in 1997, we have proudly celebrated the births of 21 lions, including our new fab five!” the zoo shares in the caption.

“Dunia and her cubs will remain off public view to allow them time to bond and rest. The rest of the pride, including Huey, Moto, Neema, Zahara, Makena, and Mshango, will remain on public view,” they add.

According to the zoo, it will be some time before the new cubs are introduced to the pride as a whole. But they will take cues from Dunia and allow her to do that in her own time.

In the comments, people were very excited to welcome the new lion cubs.

“Thrilled to hear a successful birth,” one person shared. “So happy to see our Lion Pride growing, looking forward to viewing those precious cubs.”

“Congratulations!!! Excited for them to make their debut,” wrote another.

Someone else shared, “Aw, congratulations, Dunia and caretakers!!” I can’t wait to see these babies grow.”

“Oh my goodness…5 little sweethearts!” added another viewer. “I can’t wait to see them all when they can come outside eventually.”

Fun Facts About Lion Cubs

According to Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa, a lioness is typically pregnant for approximately four months and usually gives birth to two to four babies. With this, Dunia having five cubs isn’t common, but “litter sizes of up to six cubs have been recorded,” the site explains.

When babies are born, they aren’t able to open their eyes until three to eleven days. They’re born without teeth, and they rely heavily on their mamas.

“A female lion mother will leave her new cubs in a safe hiding place while she goes to hunt every day,” the game reserve explains. “She moves the cubs to new locations by carrying them in her mouth by the scruff of their necks. The cubs seem to instinctively relax their muscles when they are being carried, which makes the transport process easier for them and their mother.”