The Asiatic lion news archive - 1999

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 1999.

DATELINE : November 2nd 1999
Cubs born at Cotswold Wildlife Park:

On the 2nd of November Cotswold Wildlife Park celebrated the birth of a pair of Asiatic lion cubs. The cubs, both male, are the first litter to be successfully raised at the park and bring the total number of animals in the European Breeding Programme to 49.

The park, at Burstow in Oxfordshire, has a recently developed lion exhibit which includes a purpose-built cubbing den and small enclosure adjacent to the main lion enclosure. This allows the female to be separated from the male during the early weeks of the cub's development but allows all of the lions to see and smell each other. However, the den was not needed this time as zoo staff decided to leave both male and female together throughout. Staff said that the pair have developed a very strong bond and that separation might place undue stress on the pair. The decision has certainly paid off as both parents and cubs are doing fine. The proud father even helps out looking after the cubs when mum needs a rest!

You can find pictures pictures of the cubs and their parents in the lion gallery.