Three lion cubs have been born at Blackpool Zoo, marking the first arrivals of their kind in more than a decade.
Born on Sunday, July 26, to mother Hira and father Khari, the cubs are the first African lions to be born at the zoo since 2015.
The birth holds special meaning for Khari, who was himself the last lion cub born at Blackpool Zoo that year.
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."
Mr Kenyon said that Hira, a first-time mother, gave birth in the outdoor paddock, leading to a partial closure of the viewing area to ensure privacy and minimise disturbance.
He said: "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."
Khari, the cubs’ father, has a poignant history at the zoo.
His mother, Rachel, died when he was just six months old, leaving Khari and his father Wallace as the UK’s only known father-son lion pair until Wallace’s death in 2022.
That same year, Khari was temporarily moved to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo while Blackpool Zoo constructed its £1.5 million Big Cat Habitat.
The new facility, which opened in 2023, includes expanded indoor and outdoor areas for the lions, improved management spaces, and modernised facilities for keepers.
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After Khari returned to Blackpool, he was joined by Hira and two other lionesses to form a new pride.
The birth of the cubs is 'significant' for the conservation of African lions, which are classified as 'vulnerable' in the wild due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey numbers.
Mr Kenyon said: "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.”
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