Blackpool Zoo is celebrating a significant event for its African lion population with the arrival of three cubs, the first born at the facility in ten years. The triplets were born on July 26 to first-time parents Hira and Khari. Both mother and cubs are reportedly doing well.
For Khari, this birth marks a poignant moment, as he himself was the last lion cub born at the zoo in 2015. His mother passed away when he was six months old, leaving him and his father, Wallace, as the UK's only father and son male lion pairing until Wallace's death in 2022. Khari was temporarily housed at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in 2022 while Blackpool Zoo underwent renovations on its Big Cat Habitat. The updated £1.5 million facility, which opened in 2023, features larger outdoor areas, improved indoor accommodations, and enhanced keeper facilities.
Following his return to Blackpool Zoo, Khari was introduced to three lionesses, including Hira, who were selected to form a new pride. The birth of the cubs is considered a crucial development for the species, which is currently classified as vulnerable in the wild. African lion populations have experienced significant declines in recent decades due to factors such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and a reduction in natural prey.
Adam Kenyon, section manager at Blackpool Zoo, expressed his delight at the new arrivals. "Since the day their dad, Khari, was born he has been a firm favourite with both our team and our visitors so his journey to fatherhood makes this moment even more special," Kenyon stated. He added that the welfare of the cubs and Hira is the top priority, and while visitors are eager to see the new additions, a temporary partial closure of the viewing area has been put in place to allow the family to bond undisturbed.
"It is still very early days for Hira and her cubs and the youngsters remain vulnerable at this stage, so our priority is giving them the time and space they need to settle in and bond as a family," Kenyon explained. The zoo is reviewing the partial closure daily. Even when the habitat reopens, there is no guarantee of sightings as Hira is keeping her cubs safely hidden in the early days of their lives. The zoo plans to announce the genders and names of the cubs in the coming weeks.
