Bhubaneswar, Sept. 7 (UDN): Nandankanan Zoological Park has welcomed two new lion cubs, marking a significant development in its conservation and breeding programme for the endangered Asiatic lion.

 Representational Image

The cubs were born to lioness Maya following her first pregnancy after mating with lion Shibam. Both Maya and Shibam are pure Asiatic lions and were born to lioness Rewa.

With the birth of the two cubs, the total lion population at Nandankanan Zoological Park has increased to 24.

Zoo authorities said the newborn cubs and their mother are currently healthy. Special care is being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the cubs, while their health is being closely monitored by the zoo staff.

The arrival of the cubs is being seen as an encouraging development for Nandankanan’s ongoing efforts to breed and conserve the Asiatic lion population.