Taronga Western Plains Zoo is celebrating another major breeding success with the birth of four male African Lion cubs on 19 November 2016.

“This is the second litter of cubs for mother Maya and father Lazarus with their first litter born February 2015,” said Keeper Greg Kirk.

The yet to be named cubs are doing very well under the watchful eye of Maya and are growing and developing well.

“Maya is a very attentive and nurturing mother, we couldn’t be happier with the maternal behaviours that we are observing to date,” said Greg.

“We have been monitoring Maya and the cubs via a video camera link in their den since birth, allowing them time to bond.”

“The cubs have received their first health check and vaccination from the Zoo’s veterinarian and all received a clean bill of health. The cubs now weigh approximately eight kilograms each, compared with approximately 1.5 kilograms when they were born,” said Greg.

“The Lion cubs have just started trying solid foods. They are now starting to venture out of the den and explore their surroundings behind-the-scenes.”

African Lions are classified as vulnerable in the wild with populations decreasing due to human-animal conflict, depleted prey base and habitat loss.

The Lion cubs are currently behind-the-scenes and will make their debut on exhibit in February 2017.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is currently constructing a new African Lion Pridelands exhibit that will be open at the end of the year.