Zoo’s newest lion cubs take first steps outdoors

By Dean Murray

Five rare Northern African lion cubs have begun exploring outside for the first time at Whipsnade Zoo.

The youngsters are now strong enough to spend time in their paddock at the Bedfordshire attraction – under the watchful eye of their mother, Waka.

Born to five-year-old Waka and four-year-old dad Malik in June 2026, the five cubs have spent their first weeks tucked away in their cozy den.

Now bigger, stronger and increasingly curious, the youngsters have begun to investigate their spacious outdoor home, with Waka never far away.

Sarah McGregor, predators section manager at Whipsnade Zoo, said: "It's been wonderful to see these five little cubs grow in confidence over the last few weeks. They're now at the age where they are very curious and they're keen to investigate everything around them."

Whipsnade Zoo's veterinary experts carried out the cubs' first health check when they were eight weeks old, enabling them to confirm the new litter is made up of three boys and two girls.

The five cubs are the third litter of Northern African lions to be born at the Bedfordshire zoo in less than two years, where they play an important role in the international conservation breeding program.