Zoo 'overjoyed' as lion cubs increase pride to 10

A zoo has welcomed the arrival of four newborn lion cubs, which has boosted the size of its pride to 10.

The litter of rare northern African lions was the second batch to be born recently at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, after three arrived in November.

Section manager Sarah McGregor said keepers were "overjoyed to have a second litter" and described the cubs as "precious additions to the breeding programme".

The zoo said African lion populations were declining in the wild as a result of farming, housing, hunting and resource extraction.

When the new cubs are 10 weeks old, their sexes will be confirmed at health checks and their names will be announced.

The lion enclosure at the Bedfordshire zoo stood empty for a while after keepers had to put its two remaining lions to sleep in 2022 due to "age-related conditions".

In summer 2023, lionesses Waka and Winta arrived along with male lion Malik, who are now all three years old.

On 25 November, Winta gave birth to three cubs; two male and one female. Waka's litter of four arrived on 23 January, with keepers watching the birth remotely via a hidden "cubcam".

Ms McGregor said: "Lions are highly sociable animals and enjoy living in large groups.

"The youngsters will grow up side-by-side with their half-siblings, and I'm sure they'll love having an abundance of playmates."

She said Waka and Winta would share parental duties, as lions in the wild would.

"While Waka and her cubs may be keeping warm and cosy indoors for a little bit longer, visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of their trio of half-siblings racing around the paddock this Easter," she added.

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