National Zoo Welcomes Four African Lion Cubs [VIDEO]

Smithsonian National Zoo recently welcomed four lion cubs.

The National zoo welcomed the four lion cubs last weekend. The healthy cubs were delivered by a 9-year-old African lion Shera. Born over a seven-hour period, the cubs are doing good as they appear to be nursing, moving and vocalizing well.

The event was watched via a closed-circuit webcam. The officials continue to monitor the Great Cats family via the webcam. The cubs, born between 8.27 a.m to 3.17 p.m., are the second litter for mother Shera and the fifth litter for the 8-year old father, Luke.

The first cub was born at 8.27 and was declared active and healthy. The remaining cubs were born at 9.03 a.m., 11.09 a.m., and 3.17 p.m..

"Shera successfully raised her previous litter of four in 2010, so we're cautiously optimistic that these cubs will thrive," Kristen Clark, and animal keeper at the Great Cats exhibit, said in a statement. "Like any new mom, she needs some peace and quiet to bond with her cubs, so we're giving her the solitude she needs. From what we've observed on the cam, her behaviors are right on point, and there's no need for us to intervene."

The birth of the cubs marks the success of the African Lion Species Survival Plan that work towards maintaining a healthy, genetically diverse and self sustaining population.

The population of the African lion, which is listed as vulnerable species by the IUCN, has dropped by 30 percent during the last 20 years (in the wild). Lions face a major threat from poaching, habitat loss and disease.

"At this time, both mothers have a den space to bond with their cubs that is separated from each other and Luke," said Rebecca Stites, animal keeper. "In the wild, a lion may take up to six weeks to introduce her cubs to the rest of the pride, so we are emulating that process. Once Shera's behavior indicates that she's comfortable with the cubs meeting their half-siblings, aunt and dad, we'll begin introductions. Our aim is to bring all nine lions together."

The officials won't be keeping the cubs on exhibit until early summer in order to examine the development of the growing cubs.