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Blackpool Zoo is marking the birth of the first African lion cubs in ten years – with three new arrivals this week at the animal park.

Proud first-time parents Hira and Khari are faring well since the arrival of the triplets at the enclosure on July 26.

The arrival holds unique significance for Khari, who was the final lion cub born at Blackpool Zoo in 2015, the offspring of Rachel and Wallace.

Unfortunately, his mother passed away onChristmasEven when he was only six months old, leaving Wallace and Khari as the UK’s only father-son pair of males. They lived together until Wallace passed away in 2022.

In the same year, Khari briefly relocated to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo while construction of Blackpool Zoo’s £1.5 million Big Cat Habitat was underway.

The new facility was inaugurated a year later in 2023, offering bigger outdoor paddocks, enhanced indoor housing, and better staff amenities.

After coming back to Blackpool, Khari was joined by three lionesses, including Hira, who had been specifically chosen to create a pride.

Authorities state that the birth of the cubs marks a significant achievement for the species, which is currently listed as vulnerable in its natural habitat.

The population of African lions has dropped considerably in recent years because of habitat destruction, conflicts between humans and wildlife, and the decrease in natural food sources.

As a new mother, Hira decided to deliver her babies in the outdoor paddock, leading to a temporary, partial closure of the viewing area to provide her and the cubs with privacy to form their family bond.

Adam Kenyon, the section manager at Blackpool Zoo, stated: “We are extremely happy to have our first lion cubs in over ten years.”

Since the day their father, Khari, was born, he has been a beloved figure among both our team and our guests, making this moment in his journey to fatherhood even more meaningful.

It’s still very early on for Hira and her cubs, with the young ones being delicate at this point, so our main focus is providing them with the time and room they require to adjust and form a strong family unit.

We are aware that guests will be eager to meet the cubs, but their well-being must remain the top priority.

The temporary closure is being assessed on a daily basis, but even once the habitat is reopened, visitors will be fortunate to spot them since Hira is keeping them securely hidden during these initial stages of their lives.

The zoo stated that it would disclosethe sexes and names of the cubs in the coming weeks.

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