Birth of park's cub trio 'keeps lion story alive'

A safari park has revealed the birth of three lion cubs.

The furry trio - two boys and a girl - arrived to mum Amber at West Midlands Safari Park and have been named Nero, Nox and Nancy.

The park said their birth was significant as lions are classed as vulnerable in the wild by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Research and Conservation Office Katie McDonald said having lions at the park "allows us to keep their story very much alive".

"It is believed lions exist in only about 6% of their historic range, demonstrating severe declines," she added.

"This is due to lions losing habitat and prey to humans as the human population in lion range areas increases, conflict is becoming more of a problem."

Following their second round of injections and another health check, the cubs will soon be allowed to venture into the outdoors to meet guests and explore their habitat.

Shauna Jenkins, senior carnivore keeper, said it had been "exciting to watch them reach crucial milestones" since their birth on 13 April.

"As they've grown bigger and more active, the cubs have become increasingly playful, often seen using Amber as their climbing frame or her tail like a toy.

"Their unique personalities are beginning to emerge and we're all eager to watch them to continue to grow and develop."

The latest arrival continues a recent baby boom at the park, which has welcomed three Sumatran tiger cubs, an Indian rhino calf, two blesbok calves and a barasingha fawn.

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