African lion cubs make their first outing at Lincoln Park Zoo

The latest additions to Lincoln Park Zoo's lion pride

Three young lion cubs made their public debut at Lincoln Park Zoo today. There were plenty of oohs and aahs to go around. Tim McGill talked with a zoo curator about the cubs on Good Day Chicago.

CHICAGO - Three African male lion cubs made their debut at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo Friday.

The cubs, Pesho (pe-sho), Sidai (see-dye), and Lomelok (low-mey-lock) followed their mother Zari (Zah-ree), father Jabari (Jah-bah-ree) around the enclosure as they ran and played.

They were born on Jan. 9 and have been bonding behind the scenes at Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

The lions at the Lincoln Park Zoo are part of the Species Survival Plan where zoos around the country work together to keep geographically and demographically strong lion population.

New baby lion plays with mom at Lincoln Park Zoo

One of three new lion cubs makes his way around the Lincoln Park Zoo exhibit for the first time Friday wrestling with his mom the whole way.

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Scientists at the zoo also work with partners in Tanzania to bring new species of lions into zoos in the U.S.

General curator Dave Bernier says the cubs are exhibiting normal behavior following their parents and exploring the environment. He expects to see some heavy napping from the babies.

The cubs will have regular access to the exhibit beginning Saturday.