One of Blackpool Zoo's three new lion cubs has been photographed taking its first independent steps outside its den, observed by its mother.
The triplets, born on July 26 to first-time parents Hira and Khari, are the first African lions born at the zoo in ten years. Both parents are reportedly doing well.
This birth is particularly significant for Khari, who was himself 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-son male lion pair. Wallace died in 2022.
Conservation experts note that the arrival of these cubs is a crucial development for the African lion species, which is currently classified as vulnerable in the wild. Significant declines in African lion populations have been attributed to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and a reduction in prey.
Previously, the cubs had only been seen being moved by their mother. This new image captures one cub venturing out on its own, while all three have recently opened their eyes. Lion cubs are born blind, with their vision developing as they begin to crawl and walk.
Animal photographer Alison Allen observed the cub's emergence, noting it was the first time she had seen any of them out independently. The three cubs have not yet been named, as their genders have not been determined. Allen described seeing the cub peek over a log, suggesting it was a spontaneous moment.
Hira chose to give birth in the outdoor paddock, leading to a temporary partial closure of the viewing area to allow the family space to bond. Adam Kenyon, section manager at Blackpool Zoo, expressed delight at the birth of the cubs, calling Khari's journey to fatherhood especially meaningful given his history at the zoo. He emphasized that the cubs are still very young and vulnerable, and the zoo's priority is to provide them with the necessary time and space to bond as a family.