Rare lion cubs born at Paignton Zoo

ITV Report
6 July 2016 at 10:52am

Photo: Paignton Zoo

Two rare Asiatic lion cubs have been born at Paignton Zoo. The little cubs were born on 16 June and are the latest new arrivals at the Zoo.
Their mother Maliya and father Lucifer, have been snapped on CCTV tucked away with the new cubs.

Credit: Paignton Zoo

http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2016-07-06/rare-lion-cubs-born-at-paignton-zoo/ 

Credit: Paignton Zoo

The newborns arrived not long after a similar event next door in the Zoo’s tiger house.

Credit: Paignton Zoo

Neil Bemment, a park curator, says the team are monitoring the cubs and their mother's progress, in the hope that if she rears them successfully 'it will be very good news for the conservation breeding programme for the species'.

They still have to come through their critical first few weeks. We have been letting her get on with being a new mum - so far she seems to be doing really well. We are cautiously excited and are monitoring them closely by CCTV.

– Neil Bemment, Environmental Park Curator of Mammals

What are Asiatic lions?

Asiatic lions are threatened by hunting and habitat destruction. Fewer than 400 survive in the wild.

The Asiatic lion is smaller than the African and has a distinctive fold of skin on the belly. Also, the Asiatic male's mane is smaller and lighter in colour. Both sexes defend their territory by roaring and patrolling.

Last updated Wed 6 Jul 2016
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