This heartwarming story originally appeared on Shareably. Lions are majestic creatures, but male lions can be fiercely territorial. That’s why, in the wild, a newborn male cub is often seen as a potential rival from the moment he arrives. (Sound familiar? Think The Lion King.) It’s hard for us to picture such harsh dynamics when we look at an innocent lion cub. While it’s crucial for humans to never approach wild animals without professional supervision, there’s no denying how adorable these babies look.
On July 25, 2019, an irresistibly cute lion cub was born at the Denver Zoo. While many people are not fans of animals living in captivity, the truth is that climate change, habitat loss, poaching, and other human-caused threats have made it nearly impossible for some species to survive in the wild. Zoos, while imperfect, often play a critical role in conservation—even if their enclosures aren’t ideal.
Judging by the response, the cub instantly won hearts. The Denver Zoo’s “cub cam” became a huge hit, drawing in countless viewers eager to watch the cub’s antics. He spent most of his time bonding with his mother, aunt, and sister. Fans were also invited to help name him. The zoo held an online vote, offering three name choices: Meru, Moremi, and Tatu.
To vote, participants had to make a donation, and their generosity helped raise $12,000 for the Lion Recovery Fund and the zoo’s animal care programs. In October, the chosen name was announced: Tatu, the Swahili word for “three.” The name was fitting—Tatu was Neliah’s third cub.
One of the most touching moments came when the zoo shared a video of Tatu meeting his father, Tobias, for the very first time. It was one of many “cubdates” posted on social media to keep followers engaged ahead of Tatu’s big public appearance.
But this introduction wasn’t taken lightly. In the wild, introducing a cub to an adult male can be dangerous. Some males have been known to kill cubs that aren’t their own to eliminate competition. Even when the cub is theirs, the moment of realization isn’t always instant, making these encounters tense for zookeepers and viewers alike.
Thankfully, Tobias immediately recognized Tatu as his son—and his gentle, affectionate response brought tears to many eyes. It was a tender reminder that even in captivity, these powerful animals are capable of profound emotional connections.
And yet, it’s bittersweet. As awe-inspiring as lions are, it’s hard to accept that some must grow up surrounded by concrete instead of the wild plains they were meant to roam.