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Lion Cubs Swim

WTOP Staff | WTOP_Web_Team@wtop.com

May 6, 2014, 12:49 PM

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