African lion cubs to make first public appearance at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

These picture purr-fect little cubs may only be a couple of months old but they’re sure to grab the lion’s share of the attention when they say hello visitors at Taronga Zoo.

The picture purr-fect little cubs may only be a couple of months old but they’re sure to grab the lion’s share of the attention when they say hello to the world this week.

In August, Sydney’s Taronga Zoo announced the arrival of five African lion cubs, for the first time in 18 years.

The Two boys are Khari (like a king) and Luzuko (glory) and the girls are Zuri (beautiful), Ayanna (beautiful flower) and Malika (Queen).

Taronga Zoo's lion cubs can be viewed by the public for the first time since being born in August. Picture: Toby Zerna

“They all have their unique characteristics. Khari is very outgoing and adventurous and likes to initiate play,” senior carnivore keeper Danielle Haylock said.

“And Zuri, when they very first went out on exhibits, she was just like ‘yeah let’s go’ and led the whole family out running, so that was very cute.

“Ayanna is the quietest cub but is also her father Ato’s favourite, he just loves her.”

“But they get along incredibly well. If one of them decides to sleep then they’ll all pile on top of each other and sleep together and they all play together.”

It’s the third litter for mum Maya, but the first for dad Ato, who celebrated his fourth birthday when the cubs were born.

Taronga Zoo's lion cubs can be viewed by the public for the first time since being born in August. Picture: Toby Zerna

“Maya seems quite relaxed and is doing everything a mum needs to do. She started off holding some of her own food back and offering it to the cubs so they can start eating meat,” Ms Haylock said.

“She always makes sure she has them all and no one’s left behind.

“Ato is a first time dad so at the moment we’re doing slow introductions to him and the cubs.

“If he’s ever a little bit rough, Maya will step in and let him know what behaviour is OK around the cubs and what isn’t.”

For the senior keeper, the birth of the five cubs is a career highlight.

“This is one of the highlights of all of our careers, it doesn’t happen very often, probably only once in each of our careers and its super exciting we have five cubs,” Ms Haylock said.

“Everything is going textbook and this Friday they will be spending some time in the exhibit where the guests can see which is very exciting.”

Originally published as African lion cubs to make first public appearance at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo