If there’s anything that’s guaranteed to brighten up a gloomy week in the capital city, it’s the thought (and the photos) of four twelve-week old north African lion cubs frolicking about at Whipsnade Zoo. But that’s not all, folks. I come bearing news even more roar-some than that. Following the cubs’ very first health checks, their genders have been confirmed, meaning that it’s time to find each of them the paw-fect name. And you could be in with a chance to help choose them.
Born back in January, the quartet of cubs were microchipped and vaccinated during the medical examinations that were recently conducted by the zoo’s expert team. During the checks, the vets were also able to confirm that Waka and Malik (AKA mum and dad) are officially the proud parents of three female lion cubs and one male.
The name-choosing wheels are now officially in motion, as Whipsnade Zoo keepers are seeking out people to help choose them. Two of the cubs will be being named by local schools, but two names will be picked by the public. Members can donate to enter a prize drawthe winner of which will help pick a name and will also get the chance to meet a lion keeper and have an overnight stay in one of the zoo’s lodges.
The sexes of the new cubs on the block will now be added to Species360 (a global database) alongside their other vital statistics. The four cubs were born just two months after the zoo’s other lioness, Winta, gave birth to a trio of cubs. All seven cubs are important additions to the international conservation breeding programme for their vulnerable species.
Sarah McGregorSection Manager of the predators team at Whipsnade Zoosaid: “The lion cubs’ first health check is an exciting milestone, and we are delighted that all four are doing well. Waka has proven to be a doting and attentive mother and their clean bill of health is a testament to her.”
“Naming the cubs is really important and a big responsibility, so we’ve come up with a shortlist for the public to vote on and help to fundraise for conservation. Every donation made to the naming draw will help to support the care of the growing cubsand the work of ZSL, the international charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, and its projects around the globe to restore habitats and protect wildlife.”
Getting to Whipsnade Zoo from London
You’ll find Whipsnade Zoo at Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF. The nearest station is Lutonwhich is a direct and speedy train from St Pancras International. You can then use public transport or a local taxi to reach the zoo from there. Alternatively, Whipsnade Zoo is roughly a one hour drive from London.
Find out more about the zoo’s work, and enter the prize draw to help name the new lion cubs here.
