Rare lion cubs born at Whipsnade Zoo
The four cubs were born as part of a conservation breeding programme for the threatened sub-species
A second litter of rare northern African lion cubs has been born at Whipsnade Zoo, bringing the total number of cubs at the conservation zoo to seven.
The four cubs were born in the early hours of Thursday, 23 January, as part of a conservation breeding programme for the threatened sub-species. Their mother, Waka, gave birth between 5:13 am and 6:40 am, with keepers monitoring the process remotely via a hidden CCTV ‘cubcam’. The birth follows the arrival of another litter in November, when lioness Winta had three cubs with the same father, Malik.
Keepers at the zoo observed Waka carefully cleaning and nuzzling her newborns, who quickly started feeding.
“We’re overjoyed to have a second litter here at Whipsnade Zoo, not only because these cubs are precious additions to the breeding programme, but because our pride has now grown to ten lions,” said Section Manager Sarah McGregor.
“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. Waka and Winta, who are both proving to be natural mums so far, will also share parental duties as lions in the wild would too.”
The sexes of the new cubs will be confirmed at their first health check when they are around ten weeks old. Plans for naming them will be announced by the zoo in the coming weeks.
“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,” McGregor added.
African lion populations are declining, with 75% of wild populations affected by habitat loss, a decrease in prey due to unsustainable hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.
ZSL, the international conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, works in the W-Arli-Pendjari conservation complex across Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin, which is home to 90% of the remaining lions in West Africa. The charity conducts research, monitors wildlife, and supports conservation efforts in the region.
Visitors to Whipsnade Zoo this Easter will be helping to support ZSL’s global conservation work. More information and booking details can be found at Whipsnade Zoo’s official website.
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