Monarto Safari Park’s littlest lions have had their first health check, revealing the litter has three females and one male.

The health check involved a weight check, vaccination, and a quick once over of paws, claws and sharp teeth to make sure the cubs are growing up healthy and strong.

Monarto Safari Park’s Veterinarian Jerome Kalvas said the cubs are in great condition, weighing in at 7.4kg to the heaviest female being 8.9kg.

“We’re happy to share all four cubs are in excellent health and thriving under mum Husani’s care.

“We vaccinated the cubs to support immunity for a number of common feline diseases including Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Parovirus.”

This health check was the first time the cubs were separated from mum Husani so the team kept the health check short to minimise stress.

“Husani was very attentive when reunited with her cubs and gave them all a good groom,” said Jerome.

Senior Keeper of Carnivores, Rachel Hemming, said Husani is again showing the team what a great mum she is with her third litter of cubs.

“The cubs are now three months old and are at a very playful and adventurous stage of development.

“It won’t be long until the cubs are ready to venture into the public habitat and we can’t wait for the public to visit them,” said Rachel.

African Lions are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, making the cubs all the more special.

Over 30 African Lions have been bred at Monarto Safari Park and this success shows the real impact Zoos SA is having in helping save this species from extinction.

Zoos SA’s impact on conservation also extends to on the ground work in African. Zoos SA supports the Zambian Carnivore Program, which does amazing work in conservation research, habitat restoration and education.

As a conservation charity, each time you visit your favourite animal at Monarto Safari Park, purchase a membership or gift from the Zoo Shop, you are helping to save these incredible animals for future generations.