The African lion family at The Pueblo Zoo just got larger.

And cuter.

It was announced Tuesday that on Oct. 25, a trio of cubs were born to mother Mashavu and father Taz Jahari. The triplets, one male and two females, join brother Mumford, who was born in 2016.

At the cubs' first check-up on Nov. 16, the male weighed 9.5 pounds, with the two females weighing 9.3 and 7.9.

According to zoo officials, Mashavu, now an experienced mother, is calm, nurturing and keeping the cubs well fed.

Once the currently unnamed cubs are vaccinated and ready to brave the outdoors, the little cats will be given access to the outdoor lion enclosure later this month, weather permitting.

The Pueblo Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and an active participant in the Species Survival Plan. The goal of these programs is to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.

jpompia@chieftain.com