Five rare Northern African lion cubs born at Whipsnade Zoo
The cubs were born to five-year-old lioness Waka and four-year-old Malik
Five Northern African lion cubs have been born at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, marking the third litter at the conservation zoo in less than two years as part of the international conservation breeding programme.
The cubs were born to five-year-old lioness Waka and four-year-old Malik on the evening of 23rd June.
Keepers monitored the births via a hidden ‘cubcam’ and were delighted to see the cubs settled and feeding by the next afternoon.
The five new arrivals join their aunt Winta, her daughter Dido, and full sisters Malaika and Kibibi, who were born in January 2025, increasing the pride's total to 11 – the largest in its history.
Steve Merrick-White, Team Leader of Predators at Whipsnade Zoo, said the birth of the cubs is a significant occasion during the charity's 200th anniversary year.
“It’s fantastic to welcome a new litter of Northern African lion cubs during ZSL’s 200th anniversary year. Not only are they part of the conservation breeding programme for their species, but they mean our pride is the largest it has ever been," Steve said.
"This is Waka’s second litter, and she really thrives as a mother. She’s been so attentive, making sure her cubs are fed, clean, and comfortable, and it’s been lovely to watch her with them.”
Lions typically have litters of two to four cubs, though they can have up to six.
Waka previously gave birth to four cubs, with females Malaika and Kibibi still residing at the zoo.
Three quarters of African lion populations face declining numbers in the wild due to habitat conversion, unsustainable hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.
Northern African lions, officially recognised as a sub-species in 2017, are in urgent need of conservation.
The breeding programme aims to safeguard these big cats by creating an insurance population while preserving their unique lineage.
Through careful planning, the programme ensures that pairings within the breeding community are genetically viable.
“We won’t know the sexes of these cubs until their first health check and vaccinations when they are around eight weeks old, at which point we’ll be able to pick names that suit them,” Steve said.
Despite the cubs spending more time indoors initially, visitors can observe the rest of the pride this summer.