The cubs, which are seven weeks old now, are beginning to get their baby teeth in and will start weaning off their mother around eight weeks of age. At which time they will be fed small amounts of Nebraska Feline Diet, which is the same meat blend their mother eats. The cubs have gained over 10 pounds since birth and they weigh between 13 - 15 pounds each. Last week the cubs were given their first set of vaccinations by the zoo's vet, Dr. Gary Riggs. The cubs will receive several more vaccinations every couple of months and then go on an annual schedule like the rest of the animals at the zoo.
Vaccinations provide antibodies, which the young normally get through the mother's milk.
The antibodies will fight off typically diseases found in felines such as rabies and distemper. The cubs have also been released into a larger area in their inside holding. Until last week the cubs have been kept in seclusion with their mother in the cubbing area of the inside holding. They now have the run of that area plus an extra indoor holding which is connected to the cubbing area. The father, Sobat, hass had his first look at the cubs through a fence door which separates him from the cubs.