When it comes to lion families, dads aren’t exactly known for their parenting skills. But this lion is rewriting the rulebook! A heartwarming moment captured at the Denver Zoo shows a proud lion dad meeting his newborn cub for the very first time, and it’s as adorable as you’d imagine.
Born on July 31st, this playful little cub weighed in at just 12 pounds. Up until now, he’s been bonding with his mom behind the scenes. But zookeepers decided it was time to introduce him to his family—and the internet can’t get enough of their sweet reunion.
In the viral footage, you can see the dad, Tobias, approaching his curious cub with a mix of excitement and caution. The cub, as any baby would, seems eager to explore this “giant” who looks just like him. The moment, shared on Facebook by the Denver Zoo, had viewers around the world melting at the sight of this growing lion family.
“He’s spent the last couple of months bonding with his mom, dad, and half-sister behind the scenes,” Jake Kubié, the zoo’s communications director, shared. “Now, he’s getting ready to make his big public debut in one of our outdoor habitats. He’s everything you’d expect from a lion cub—playful, curious, and bursting with energy!”
While the cub hasn’t been named yet, his parents, Neliah and Tobias, are already zoo favorites in Denver. To make things fun, the zoo is asking for help from fans to name their newest furry star. The three finalists are:
- Tatu: Swahili for “three,” since he’s Neliah’s third cub.
- Meru: Named after a stunning mountain in Tanzania.
- Moremi: Honoring a famous game reserve in Botswana.
Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite name and can even donate $1 to support the zoo’s conservation efforts.
So, what’s your pick? Let us know in the comments—or share this story with your friends and see which name they’re rooting for! With a debut just around the corner, this little cub is sure to win even more hearts. 🦁💛
