From Staff Reports

ASHEBORO — Three African lion cubs born in October went on public view for the first time Monday at the N.C. Zoo.

Taking advantage of unseasonably warm weather and a delay in plans for renovations to their holding facilities, the three cubs followed their mother, Sala, into the outdoor lion exhibit about 11 a.m.

The public may be able to see the cubs again during the next month, depending on weather conditions. Skies must be sunny and temperatures at least 50 degrees to give the cubs “access” to the outdoor habitat, according to keepers.

A renovation project slated for the lion holding area has been postponed until mid-January, but may keep the cubs indoors for two months after construction begins.

For now, the male and two females cubs will be exhibited only with their mother. Visitors can see the adult male lion on days the cubs are not on display.

Born Oct. 23, the triplets marked only the second lion-cub birthing at the N.C. Zoo since 1983 and the first since two female cubs were born in July 2004.

For keeper reports and interim updates on the cubs’ progress, the public can visit a special “Cubs Corner” section of the zoo’s Web site at www.nczoo.org.

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