In Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park, there’s reason for joy as three male Asiatic lion cubs, a species listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have been born. The cubs are the progeny of six-year-old Arya, a resident of Helsinki Zoo for a number of years before returning to Fota, and Yali, the eight-year-old male lion known for his important contributions in the European Breeding Programme. Asiatic lions are found only in one location globally – the Gir Forest in India, with the current count lying somewhere between 500 and 600 lions, thus increasing the importance of zoos and wildlife parks in ensuring their survival. Julien Fonteneau, the leading ranger at Fota Wildlife Park, expressed his delight for the new additions, emphasising their key role in persisting the endangered lion population, both in their breeding scheme and in the more extensive global efforts.
This birth marks the first occurrence of lion cubs in five years at Fota Wildlife Park, further highlighting the triumph in continuous efforts aimed at conserving the endangered lion species. It has now been confirmed that Fota Wildlife Park provides a sanctuary for seven Asiatic lions. This includes Arya, her three newborns, the first two lion arrivals – sisters Gira and Gita, and Yali, who left Paignton Zoo in the UK for Fota two years back, as part of the same breeding initiative. Arya herself has a fascinating history. Raised in Fota, she was moved to Helsinki Zoo before being ousted by other lionesses. She returned to join her mother Gira and aunt Gita at Fota earlier this year.
Despite being a first-time mother, Arya has shown exceptional maternal skills, being highly protective and ensuring her cubs are well-fed and active. The cubs, kept out of plain view and nested under the foliage, are being carefully observed by the staff.
Whenever precipitation begins, she transports them to the well-known heated shelter for lions. Visitors could potentially catch sight of the young, sleep-prone cubs when they’re in the lion den. Folks visiting Fota Wildlife Park can observe Arya and her offspring in the Asian Sanctuary. In addition, the park encourages the public to assist in naming the trio of cubs. By contributing to this process through their blog at www.fotawildlife.ie, participants stand a chance to secure one of three yearly Conservation passes.