Endangered lion cubs born at London Zoo
The three-week cubs are being observed by zookeepers
Three lion cubs have been born at London Zoo.
Mum Arya, and 14-year-old dad Bhanu welcomed the endangered litter on March 13th, with zookeepers monitoring the lioness's birth and progress through hidden cameras.
The trio of cubs have brought conservation success for the zoo, with an estimated 600-700 Asiatic lion's left in the wild.
Ayra was in labour with the endangered cubs for 6 hours, with the cub-cam showing keepers an insight into how she was doing.
The three-week old cubs have taken their first steps now, with important monitoring from Zoo Keepers not interrupting bonding time.
Asiatic lions are now only found in the Gir Forest in Gujarat in India, relying on just one habitat. They're particularly at risk to disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
The conservation programme at the zoo is ensuring breeding programmes are protecting a 'back up' population of the big cats across the globe.
Our head big cat keeper Kathryn Sanders told us: “We are over the moon to be able to share the amazing news that we’ve had three Endangered Asiatic lion cubs born at London Zoo.
“Their arrival is not only hugely exciting for all of us here at London Zoo, but is a huge boost for the conservation breeding programme for these Endangered big cats. When the wild population is thought to be just 600 to 700 individuals, adding three to that number is a significant increase.
“Arya is proving to be a doting mum to her three cubs, and we’ve been able to observe some heartwarming moments via our hidden cubcam -from their first feed to their first steps. They’re getting stronger every day and we’re delighted with their progress.”
The cubs are staying with their mum inside for a while, until the weather gets warmer, when they'll be venturing outside for visitors to see.