Blackpool Zoo is celebrating the arrival of three African lion cubs – the first to be born at the zoo since 2015 – after Hira and Khari became parents for the first time on Sunday 26 July.

The birth is particularly special for Khari, who was the last lion cub born at Blackpool Zoo in 2015 to mum, Rachel, and dad, Wallace. His mother sadly passed away on Christmas Eve when he was just six months old, which left Wallace and Khari as the UK's only father and son collation of males. They lived happily together until Wallace passed away in 2022. During that same year Khari made the temporary move to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo while work on Blackpool Zoo’s £1.5million Big Cat Habitat took place. The new facility, which opened a year later in 2023 includes more indoor space for the big cats, a larger management area with extended external paddocks and improved keeper facilities. Khari returned to a hero’s welcome and was joined by three lionesses, including Hira, who had been carefully selected to form a pride.

The arrival of the cubs represents an important contribution to the future of African lions which are currently classified as vulnerable in the wild, having declined significantly over recent decades due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and the reduction of natural prey. Adam Kenyon, Section Manager at Blackpool Zoo, 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.

"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. 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 partial closure is being reviewed on a daily basis but even when the habitat is opened visitors will be very lucky to see them as Hira is keeping them safely tucked away in these early days of their life. We'll share more updates, including the cubs' genders and names, as soon as possible and we’re looking forward to properly introducing them to everyone.”

PHOTO: Mum Hira with one of her new cubs.