They could see each other, but not interact.
The cub and his mother were kept away from the others so they could bond and to make sure that Neliah showed traditional nurturing behavior, The Denver Post reported.
But recently Neliah and her unnamed offspring were allowed to interact with his dad Tobias, sister Kamara and his aunt Sabi, KCNC reported.
Once the barriers were removed, the lion was interested in exploring everything he could see.
"Already 12 lbs., this little lion is climbing up the ranks in the world -- as in he literally loves climbing everything and that includes Aunt Sabi and Kamara!," Denver Zoo officials wrote on Twitter.
This week's #cubdate comes with some exciting news: the 🦁 has met his dad, Tobias, & big sister Kamara! Already 12 lbs, this little lion is climbing up the ranks in the world - as in he literally loves climbing everything! Click here to help us name him: https://t.co/b5MM6RVje2 pic.twitter.com/q53NScP5Zv
— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) September 6, 2019
The little lion now needs help getting his name, KCNC reported.
Zoo officials have three they are considering:
- Meru (a Tanzanian mountain)
- Moremi (a Botswanan game reserve)
- Tatu (Swahili for three)
You vote by pledging money online.
The zoo also set up a lion cub registry as a fundraiser.
Neliah and the unnamed cub can be seen on television screens before they make their eventual public debut, KCNC reported.
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