Mother lion, Araali, gives birth to four adorable lion cubs at Denver Zoo, a heartwarming monumental moment for the vulnerable felines after four generations of lions being born there

We all know about endangered species, when the species is at risk of becoming extinct. A harrowing and unfortunate fate for any species. But vulnerable is edging on that – to be a vulnerable species means that the animal is at high risk for becoming endangered. And as much as animal rights activists like to tarnish zoo's, they do protect some of these endangered or vulnerable species. In this heartwarming news from the Denver Zoo, African lions are better preserved due to the zoo's protection of them. African lions are a vulnerable species, mainly due to habitat loss, human conflict, and poaching. There's been four generations of African lions born at this Denver zoo, a monumental era emblematic of the continuity of lineage. 

The mother lion in the story was also born at the zoo, thus furthering the heartwarming and familial bonds that exist for the African lions. Because of this lineage, the mother can pass on social and maternal behaviors observed in their upbringing. Since Araali has been raised at the Denver Zoo, the zoo keepers have been able to observe and support healthy development and maternal instincts.

Araali was also specifically selected to reproduce with father Usiku by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' African Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is a meticulous effort among zoos to maintain genetically healthy, diverse populations of endangered species in human care. So enjoy this heartwarming and wholesome story of adorable cubs and their familial lineage.