Lion cubs are all at the top of their class

School’s nearly back in session, but the seven young lions at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo have been working hard through the summer months! Instead of learning their ABCs, they’re learning behaviors that help animal care staff evaluate their health, including opening their mouths, showing their paws, getting up on a bench and lying down in practice to receive a vaccination. We’ve been tracking their achievements—and adorable blunders—on camera. They’re certainly earning their meatballs and we think you will be impressed by their progress.

According to their teachers, keepers Rebecca Stites and Kristen Clark, all seven lions earn the same grade for effort: A+!