Five-year-old male Asian lion moves to Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo has announced the arrival of a male Asian lion as part of a breeding plan for the endangered species.

Five-year-old Kushanu has joined Kamala, a nine-year-old female lion, following his move from Edinburgh Zoo in March.

He is said to be forming a strong bond with Kamala and it is hoped the pair will breed and produce healthy cubs.

Dublin Zoo is part of the European Endangered Species Programme for the Asian lion, which manages their population and breeding.

The Asian lion is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It is estimated that there are about 500 to 600 left in the wild, as habitat loss and poaching continues to threaten their survival.

A spokesperson for Dublin Zoo said Asian lions currently live in just one place in the wild, the Gir National Park and Sanctuary in India, which means they are vulnerable to unexpected events in the area, such as natural disasters or diseases.

Another threat is conflict with farmers when lions come onto their lands.

Ciaran McMahon, team leader at Dublin Zoo, said: "We look forward to hearing Kushanu’s impressive roars, and visitors can be excited to see Kushanu’s distinctive mane as he explores his new habitat.”

Asian lions have shorter, darker manes than African lions.

And unlike African lions, Asian lions are solitary mammals and only come together in order to mate.