Peoria Welcomes Lion Cubs

The Peoria Zoo is making preparations for the first public showing of three African lion cubs born in early December. The cubs will make their debut March 26. Zoo visitors will be able to see the cubs on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. when weather permits. The cubs were born Dec. 4 to Lizzy and Arthur, both first-time parents. The three cubs, all females, don't yet have names. Zoo officials are planning a contest to name the cubs. Zoo staff will suggest potential names and the public will vote on their favorites.The cubs were born as part of a national breeding program run through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The program takes into account genetic diversity before approving breeding.