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Lion Cubs Swim

In this photo: Keeper Marie Magnuson with male lion cub Right Rib. Photo Credit: Jen Zoon, Smithsonian's National Zoo

In this photo:Curator Craig Saffoe with male lion cub Right Rib. Photo Credit: Jen Zoon, Smithsonian's National Zoo

In this photo:Curator Craig Saffoe with male lion cub Right Rib. Photo Credit: Jen Zoon, Smithsonian's National Zoo

In this photo: Keepers Kristen Clark (L) and JT Taylor (R) with female lion cub Left Rib. Photo Credit: Jen Zoon, Smithsonian's National Zoo

In this Photo: Biologist Leigh Pitsko and lion cub Left Hip Photo Credit: Jen Zoon, Smithsonian's National Zoo(male)

Four African lion cubs took a brisk paddle at the Smithsonian's National Zoo today and passed their swim reliability test. The cubs—three males and one female—were born at the Zoo March 2. (National Zoo)

The cubs -- three males and one female -- had to prove they are ready to be on exhibit at the National Zoo. WTOP's Nick Iannelli shot this video.(National Zoo)

The cubs had to show that they could keep their heads above water, navigate to the shallow end of the moat and climb onto dry land. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

The 10-week-old cubs will make their debut to the public in mid-June. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

"As keepers, it's our duty to take every precaution to ensure the cubs' survival," said Kristen Clark, an animal keeper at the Great Cats exhibit, in a news release. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

The cubs are now one step closer to being ready to explore the yard with their mother, Shera, the zoo says. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

Animal keeper Kristen Clark says the zoo needs to know the cubs can pull themselves out of the water. The cubs were put in the shallow end of the most, which is about 2 1/2 feet deep. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

The side of the moat closest to the public viewing area is about 9 feet deep, the zoo says. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

All four cats passed the test. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

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