British zoo welcomes first lion cubs in more than a decade - 'Special moment!'

Blackpool Zoo is celebrating the birth of three African lion cubs, marking the first cub births at the centre in more than 10 years.

Lioness Hira gave birth last Sunday (July 26) at the Lancashire attraction, with the last lion cub born at the zoo arriving in 2015.

That cub was Khari, who has now become a father for the first time - with zoo staff noting the arrival is particularly special, given Khari's own history.

Born to parents Rachel and Wallace, he was just six months old when his mother died on Christmas Eve.

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He continued to live alongside his father, forming what the zoo described as the UK's only father-and-son lion pairing, until Wallace died in 2022.

Later that year, Khari temporarily moved to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo while work was completed on a new £1.5million Big Cat Habitat at Blackpool.

The upgraded facility, which opened in 2023, provides larger outdoor paddocks, expanded indoor accommodation and improved keeper facilities.

Following his return to Blackpool, Khari was introduced to three lionesses selected to establish a new pride, including Hira.

The birth of their three cubs is the first success for the breeding group.

Adam Kenyon, section manager at Blackpool Zoo, said the births represented a landmark moment, for both the zoo and its conservation efforts.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome our first lion cubs in more than a decade.

"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."

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Adam said the cubs remain vulnerable during their first weeks, and that staff are focused on allowing Hira time to bond with them.

The zoo has also introduced a temporary partial closure of the lion viewing area, after first-time mother Hira unexpectedly gave birth in the outdoor paddock rather than inside her den.

Keepers say the restrictions are designed to provide the new lion family with privacy during the critical first weeks of the cubs' lives.

Adam added: "Unusually, Hira chose to give birth outside during the daytime, which is why some areas of the big cat habitat have limited visitor access at present as she adjusts to motherhood.

"We know visitors will be excited to meet the cubs, but their welfare has to come first."

The zoo expects the viewing restrictions to be reviewed daily, although keepers believe visitors may still have little chance of seeing the cubs for some time as Hira continues to keep them hidden.

The births also aid the conservation of African lions – a species classified as vulnerable in the wild.

Populations have declined significantly in recent decades due to habitat loss, conflict with humans and a reduction in natural prey.

Blackpool Zoo, home to more than 1,000 animals across 37 acres of woodland and lakes, is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, whose members contribute to hundreds of conservation and research projects worldwide.

The genders and names of the cubs have not yet been announced, but zoo officials say they hope to share further updates as they continue to grow and develop in the coming weeks.

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