Anna McConachie
Anna McConachie
24 March, 2025
News

PHOTOS: Rare lion cubs take first steps outside at Whipsnade Zoo under mother's watchful eye

Whipsnade Zoo’s second lion cub take their first steps outside the den

Whipsnade Zoo’s three north African lion cubs take their first steps outside with mother Waka

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.

Mother Waka kept a watchful eye over her cubs as they explored the great outdoors for the first time
Mother Waka kept a watchful eye over her cubs as they explored the great outdoors for the first time Credit: Whipsnade Zoo

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.

The cubs enjoyed chasing each other and playfighting in the grass
The cubs enjoyed chasing each other and playfighting in the grass Credit: Whipsnade Zoo

Find out how Whipsnade Zoo is protecting species and supporting global conservation efforts at  w ww.whipsnadezoo.org 

The cubs will be sexed at their first health check when they are 10 weeks old
The cubs will be sexed at their first health check when they are 10 weeks old Credit: Whipsnade Zoo
The four cubs kept close to mum Waka as they explored the paddock
The four cubs kept close to mum Waka as they explored the paddock Credit: Whipsnade Zoo