Adia the lioness grooms and bonds with her new cubs

Everyone knows better than to come between a mother and her babies, and Adia the lioness is no exception. Days after giving birth to three male cubs at the Woodland Park Zoo near Seattle, Wash., Aida exercises her watchful eye then bonds with her new triplets in an off-view den — with only a tripod-mounted camera there to witness the tender moments they share.

According to the Woodland Park Zoo's blog, the practice of keeping a mother and cubs in a secluded maternity den is crucial for healthy development of the newest members of the pride. In fact, it is only until after the cubs demonstrate their mobility skills and have properly bonded with their mother that they are allowed into public view. Even then, the outdoor temperature must be more than 50 degrees for the cubs to venture outside.

To watch Adia care for her adorable triplets, be sure to check out the video below. Don't forget to share this sweet moment with other big cat fanatics!