See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER Published: 00:42 BST, 13 August 2026 | Updated: 01:13 BST, 13 August 2026
One of Blackpool Zoo's newest lion cubs has been pictured taking its first steps - venturing outside of its pen under the watchful eye of its mother.The cubs are the first African lions to be born at the zoo in a decade, with proud first-time parents Hira and Khari said to be doing well after the triplets were born at the enclosure on July 26.The birth is particularly special for Khari, who was himself the last lion cub born at Blackpool Zoo in 2015 to Rachel and Wallace.Sadly, his mother passed away on Christmas Eve when he was just six months old, leaving Wallace and Khari as the UK's only father-son pair of males. They lived together until Wallace passed away in 2022.Experts say the arrival of the cubs is a huge milestone for the species, which is currently classified as vulnerable in the wild. Previously, the three cubs have only been seen out and about, being carried around in mum's mouth.However, one of the cubs has been pictured for the first time making its first steps outside their pen.The triplets have also opened their eyes for the first time, with lion cubs being born blind as their vision improves quickly as they learn to crawl and walk. The cubs are the first African lions to be born at Blackpool Zoo in a decade. Pictured: One of three two-week-old lion cubs pictured for the first time independently out The triplets have also opened their eyes for the first time, with lion cubs being born blind as their vision improves quickly as they learn to crawl and walk Previously, the three cubs have only been seen out and about, being carried around in mum's mouthAnimal photographer Alison Allen, 64, said: 'They have only been seen out by the public if the mother moves them around. 'I have not seen any other images of them being out, so it looks like this is the first time. 'The three cubs don't have any names yet, as they have not been able to gender them. 'They have just opened their eyes. They had been hiding all day, and I went back an hour before closing just in case, and then this little one popped its head over the log.' The numbers of African lions have declined significantly over recent decades due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and the reduction of natural prey.As an inexperienced mother, Hira chose to give birth in the outdoor paddock, so a temporary, partial closure of the viewing area has been put in place to give her and the cubs space to bond together as a family.Adam Kenyon, section manager at Blackpool Zoo, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to welcome our first lion cubs in more than a decade.'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.'It is still very early days for Hira and her cubs and the youngsters remain vulnerable at this stage, so our priority is giving them the time and space they need to settle in and bond as a family.'
