Woodland Park Zoo Welcomes Two Lion Cubs

The zoo's first lion arrival since 2014 is a big deal for conservation efforts.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is celebrating the birth of two female South African lion cubs to first-time parents Ilanga and Tandie. The cubs were born on January 14 and are currently bonding with their mother in an off-view maternity den as the zoo's animal health team monitors their growth and development. The new arrivals represent a third generation of lions at the zoo and are an important contribution to accredited breeding programs supporting vulnerable lion populations in the wild.

Why it matters

The birth of the lion cubs at Woodland Park Zoo is significant for several reasons. First, it marks the zoo's first lion arrival since 2014, making these cubs an exciting new addition to the animal collection. Additionally, the cubs are part of the South African subspecies, which is important for maintaining genetic diversity in captive lion populations that support conservation efforts for vulnerable wild lion populations. The zoo's participation in accredited breeding programs helps ensure a healthy future for lions globally.

The details

The two female lion cubs were born on January 14 to first-time parents Ilanga and Tandie. The cubs are currently staying in an off-view maternity den with their mother, Ilanga, while the zoo's animal health team monitors their growth and development through regular health checks, including weight measurements, vaccinations, and routine sampling. The father, Tandie, will remain separated from the den as Ilanga focuses on bonding with the newborns. Zoo staff are limiting human contact to allow Ilanga to raise the cubs as naturally as possible.

  • The cubs were born on January 14, 2026.
  • The cubs are currently around one month old.

The players

Woodland Park Zoo

A zoo located in Seattle, Washington that is home to a variety of animal species, including lions.

Ilanga

The mother of the two lion cubs, a first-time parent.

Tandie

The father of the two lion cubs, who will remain separated from the den while Ilanga cares for the newborns.

Martin Ramirez

The Curator of Mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As a first-time mother, Ilanga so far is doing a terrific job and is resting and bonding with the cubs.”

— Martin Ramirez, Curator of Mammalogy (Woodland Park Zoo)

What’s next

The zoo says the family will stay off public view until the cubs show steady mobility and outdoor temperatures are consistently at least 50 degrees. A public debut could still be weeks or even months away as the zoo sticks closely to animal welfare best practices.

The takeaway

The birth of the two lion cubs at Woodland Park Zoo is an important contribution to conservation efforts for vulnerable lion populations. The cubs represent a third generation of lions at the zoo and will play a role in accredited breeding programs that help maintain genetic diversity in captive lion populations, which in turn supports the protection of wild lions.