Smithsonian's National Zoo Welcomes First Lion Cubs in Four Years [VIDEO]

The Smithsonian's National Zoo welcomed two new born African lion cubs Jan 24, 2014.

The arrival of African lion cubs was thrilling for the zoo's Great Cats team, which has worked hard on its conservation and survival plans for the African lions.

The newly born cubs are the third litter for 10-year-old mommy Nababiep and fourth for father Luke, 8.

Nababiep gave birth to three cubs in an eight hour period; unfortunately the second cub was stillborn. This is the first litter of cubs born at the zoo in four years. The birthing of the cubs was monitored through a closed circuit webcam.

According to the news release, the first cub was born at 3.58 a.m., the second one at 8.51 a.m. and the third cub was born at 11.24 a.m. The two surviving cubs are healthy and active.

The animal care team continues to monitor the new family and is noticing great improvement.

Birth of a stillborn cub in the same litter is not an uncommon event. Previously, in 2010, Nababiep gave birth to a cub that survived just 48 hours.

The new mother is nursing the cubs. Movement and vocalization is also reported from the three African lions.

"The first few days of a lion cub's life are very fragile," says Rebecca Stites, an animal keeper at the Great Cats exhibit. "Naba continues to prove that she has great maternal instincts and so the best course of action is for us to allow her to care for and bond with her cubs. We have every indication that she will successfully raise these cubs just as she did her previous litter."

In the year 2009, the mortality rate for lion cubs born in captivity was just 30 percent whereas the mortality rate for cubs born in the wild was nearly 67 percent.

The union of Nababiep and Luke was based on the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Species Survival Plan for African Lions. One month after the two bred, Nababeip's younger sister Shera also bred.

Shera is also due to give birth to lion cubs soon.

"One of the best parts of this job is seeing all of our planning and preparation comes to fruition," said Kristen Clark, an animal keeper at the Great Cats exhibit. "In 2010, we had a remarkable opportunity to watch seven cubs grow, master husbandry training and go on to other zoos to contribute to their breeding programs. To watch this litter follow in their siblings' footsteps will be incredibly exciting and rewarding."

To Watch the Live Webcam of the new born lion cubs: CLICK HERE.