By Josie November 14th, 2023
However, there are no lessons involved for these baby lions – they’re immediately chucked into the deep end to see if they could pass the swimming test.
Contrary to popular belief, lions are indeed capable swimmers, though they are not naturally inclined towards aquatic environments.
As a moat surrounds their enclosure, it’s crucial for the lion cubs to be able to swim across it in case they fall in.
By passing this test it establishes their readiness to be on public display.
The swimming test at the National Zoo in Washington DC serves a vital safety purpose.
Such tests are a precautionary measure and of outmost importance to ensure their safety – which, at the end of the day, is the zoos most vital mission.
Each cub, with varying degrees of ease are able navigate their way out of the water. In other words, they passed their test with flying colors!
Lions, much like their domesticated counterparts, have an inherent dislike for water.
They will swim only when absolutely necessary, such as when crossing rivers in pursuit of prey or escaping threats.
Surprisingly, lions can swim quite fast, reaching speeds of up to 25 mph. However, they are unable to maintain this speed over long distances.