Lion cubs heading to Naples Zoo

Two lion cubs at the NEW Zoo in Suamico will soon be heading to the Naples Zoo in Florida.

The NEW Zoo says six-month-old lion cubs Masamba and Mandisa will make the trek down to the Sunshine State on Monday, February 2.

The lion cubs are being moved as part of the lion Species Survival Program.

Because there are only 169 genetically valuable African lion in captive population, many zoos have been on a waiting list for the animals.

"We are thrilled to have found a home where the brother and sister team will stay together until they are old enough (in 2 or 3 years) to be paired with mates and produce babies of their own," said Carmen Murach, Curator of Animals at the NEW Zoo.

The NEW Zoo's younger (two-month-old) lion cubs, Asani, Akeelah, and Jamela are expected to make their public debut in the lion exhibit next week.