Blackpool Zoo is celebrating after the birth of three African lion cubs, the first to arrive at the attraction in more than ten years. The cubs were born on Sunday 26 July to lioness Hira and resident male Khari, and represent the first successful offspring for the new pride established at the site.
Background and significance
The arrival carries particular resonance for staff and visitors because Khari, born at Blackpool in 2015, has long been a familiar figure at the attraction. Khari’s early life was marked by tragedy after his mother died when he was six months old; he later lived alongside his father until 2022. Following a temporary move to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo while work progressed on a new habitat, Khari returned to Blackpool and was introduced to several lionesses including Hira.
Improved facilities and conservation focus
The births are the first success for the breeding group housed in Blackpool’s upgraded Big Cat Habitat, a £1.5 million project completed in 2023. The redevelopment provided:
- larger outdoor paddocks
- expanded indoor accommodation
- improved facilities for keepers
Zoo staff say these enhancements have helped create conditions suitable for breeding and for providing appropriate care to both adults and cubs.
Care, caution and visitor access
Keepers stress the cubs remain vulnerable during their first weeks and are allowing Hira undisturbed time to bond with her litter. As a precaution, the zoo has temporarily partially closed the lion viewing area following the outdoordelivery.
"We are absolutely delighted to welcome our first lion cubs in more than a decade," said Adam Kenyon, section manager at Blackpool Zoo. "Since the day their dad, Khari, was born he has been a firm favourite with both our team and our visitors, so his journey to fatherhood makes this moment even more special."
What we know at present
Information confirmed by the zoo:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parents | Hira (mother) and Khari (father) |
| Number of cubs | Three |
| Date of birth | Sunday 26 July |
| Last lion cub born at Blackpool Zoo | 2015 (Khari) |
Staff emphasise they will monitor the litter closely and manage visitor access to balance public interest with the animals’ welfare. Further announcements regarding public viewing or naming of the cubs will be made by the zoo in due course.
For residents and visitors, the births underline the role of Blackpool Zoo not only as a local attraction but also as a participant in species management and animal care programmes. The zoo has asked members of the public to respect the temporary closure of viewing areas while keepers support the new family.
