Malkia, Chad and Ruka have officially made their debut– and we’d be lion to say we weren’t excited!
Visitors at Monarto Safari Park were treated to the first official outing of Husani’s 13-week-old lion cubs today as their made their way out and about to join the pride.
The little ones were given access to the entry of the 10.8 hectare exhibit last week to explore and help them acclimatise to their new area. This ensured the cubs were confident, ready and roaring to go today as they set out on their first official outing.
The little ones didn’t hesitate today following Husani and their aunties to explore and give Lions360 guests a close up glimpse.
Zoos SA staff were joined by the Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, for the exciting moment.
“Monarto Safari Park is home to one of Australia’s largest lion prides and is part of the international breeding program safeguarding this species from extinction,” she said.
“Any cubs born will play a significant role not only in the Park’s breeding program for this vulnerable species, but also as ambassadors for African Lions, acting as a powerful educational tool to shed light on the plight of their wild cousins.”
The new additions have certainly made themselves at home getting to know both their aunties and the male lions over the past few weeks.
Malika, described by keepers as “a lot more confident than her brothers”, has been seen playing and jumping on the males, taking particular interest in their majestic manes.
Keeper Rachel Hemming said all three cubs have stayed close to mum Husani, who has been kind, gentle, and calls out to her litter to make sure they are all safe. It is hoped the cubs will continue to follow her to the Lions360 dome so visitors can get within a whisker of the adorable trio.
“The cubs have been very playful with each other and the rest of the pride,” Rachel said.
“Around the four-month mark, the cubs should be climbing over the Lions 360 dome. This is obviously a learned behaviour from other members of the pride, but we hope to see them as part of the experience soon!”
Lions360 is the only 360 degree lion experience in Australia, where visitors can take the ultimate walk of the brave and enter a dome to get a 360-degree view of the pride.
Each time you take part in an experience like Lions 360 or Lions at Bedtime you are supporting Zoos SA conservation work and helping to protect lions in the wild.
Your support helps Zoos SA’s partners the Painted Dog Conservation Inc and the Zambian Carnivore Program safeguard lions in their native Zambia.
Our vital conservation work also wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of wonderful corporate partners like ElectraNet.
For more information, please visit www.monartosafaripark.com.au or to book a pawsome up-close experience, please visit www.monartosafari.com.au/animal-experiences/.
