Lion Cub Birthday Party

Join us for a day of big cat fun honoring our lion cubs for their first birthday! Enjoy talks with our Animal Care Team, adult lion enrichment, Animal Ambassador meet and greets, music and memorable moments throughout the day that highlight this incredible species.

Unfortunately, due to a minor injury sustained by Olive, she will need to remain indoors to allow her injury to heal. Because lions are highly social, our lion cubs must remain together as a family group so they will not be outside in their habitat to celebrate their birthdays, but the celebration will continue with our adult lions, hyenas and Animal Ambassadors celebrating our Birthday Cubs.

Party Schedule

Morning Activities

8:15 a.m. Member-Exclusive Lion Talk
Predator Ridge Maternity Yard

• Talk with an Animal Care Specialist
• Up-close view of enrichment for our adult lions
• Themed music
• Collect a “Happy Birthday” lion cub card

10:00 a.m. Lion Talk
Predator Ridge

• Talk with an Animal Care Specialist
• Adult lion feeding at Predator Ridge
• Photo op moment
• Education and art station
• Collect a “Happy Birthday” lion cub card

Afternoon Activities

12:00 p.m. Birthday Celebration
Predator Ridge

• Talk with an Animal Care Specialist
• Demonstration with adult lions in Pahali ya Simba building
• Education and art station
• Themed music and a “Happy Birthday” sing-along
• Collect a “Happy Birthday” lion cub card

3:00 p.m. Birthday Celebration
Predator Ridge

• Talk with an Animal Care Specialist
• Special feeding with our adult lions
• Animal Ambassador meet and greet
• Themed music and a “Happy Birthday” sing-along
• Collect a “Happy Birthday” lion cub card

Win A Lion Cub Experience + Adoption Bundle

Donate Any Amount* for a Chance to Win an Exclusive Lion Animal Care Specialist Talk + Birthday Adoption Bundle

Every donation helps support our growing lion cubs and African lion conservation efforts.

Donate Now

*Free online entry available. Visit denverzoo.org/130th-birthday-sweepstakes/ for official rules and details.

Did You Know?

Lion cubs grow rapidly during their first year. For the first 10 weeks, they rely entirely on their mother’s milk before transitioning to a meat-based diet. Cubs begin walking at just 10–15 days old and quickly start to pounce, play and explore their world.