Second lion cub litter explore the outdoors for the first time

Whipsnade Zoo’s quartet of rare northern African lion cubs were pictured taking their first exploratory steps outside today, under the watchful eye of mother Waka. 

The eight-week-old cubs, who are yet to be sexed, were spotted running, climbing, and playfighting in their paddock. 

Born on 23 January, the cubs have so far spent all their time cosied up indoors with mum. 

They are the second litter to be born at the UK’s largest zoo, just two months after their trio of half-siblings, with all seven cubs part of the conservation breeding programme for their threatened subspecies.  

On your next visit you might catch a glimpse of Waka and her cubs as they continue to explore their new surroundings. Every visit supports the work of ZSL, the international charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, to protect and restore wildlife around the world. 

Conservation at the Zoo