Did you know that animals can feel just as strongly for their offspring as humans do? It’s true! Even lions, known for their fierce nature, have a soft side when it comes to their little ones.

At the Denver Zoo, a truly heartwarming moment was captured on camera. In September, a lion dad had his first encounter with his baby son, and the reaction was priceless. This special moment was recorded inside the lion’s cage, and it melted the hearts of everyone who witnessed it.

The adorable lion cub, named Tatu, was born on July 25, 2019, and has already become a star at the zoo. With his curious and playful nature, he has charmed both visitors and staff. In fact, a video featuring Tatu quickly went viral on social media, leaving thousands of people in awe of this future lion king.

But Tatu’s birth holds even greater significance. Over the past 25 years, half of Africa’s lion population has disappeared, facing threats such as poaching, loss of prey, and habitat destruction. Tatu’s arrival is a triumph for the Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to ensure the survival of healthy and genetically diverse lion populations within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions.

Tatu’s dad, Tobias, is also important to the AZA lion population. This is his first time fathering cubs, and his genetics play a crucial role in maintaining a diverse lion population. As a result, the meeting between Tobias and his newborn son was particularly exciting for everyone involved.

You can watch the heartwarming encounter in the video below, which has been viewed over half a million times. It’s a truly touching moment that will leave you with a warm feeling inside. However, I must admit, while it’s lovely to see them bond, I can’t help but have a hint of concern as lions can sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior towards their own cubs. Nonetheless, it’s an adorable moment that showcases the tender side of these majestic creatures.