Four healthy lion cubs born in Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Four healthy African lion cubs have been born in Safaripark Beekse Bergen. The young animals gave birth on the night of Tuesday, July 11, to Wednesday, July 12. It is the first lion litter in six years.

The lion's gestation period lasts about three and a half months. A litter consists of one to six animals. Animal caretaker of the predators Mariska Vermij - van Dijk: "The mother gave birth to five cubs. Unfortunately, the fifth cub did not make it. We often see this happen: the lion has four nipples and as soon as they are born, the battle for the nipples erupts. It sometimes happens that the fifth survives, but chances are that the fifth then lags behind in growth and eventually doesn't make it. Sad, but that's the way it goes. We are very happy that the four cubs are doing very well!"

Lions are born blind and around ten days the eyes open. At three weeks they walk more firmly on their legs and slowly start to explore the world. "Around that time they also get their first medical check and it becomes clear what the sex of the young animals is," Vermij - van Dijk said. When the young animals are about 1 year old, almost all of the dots on their fur have disappeared and in male lions the manes become more and more visible.

Vulnerable species
The lion's status in the wild is "vulnerable. It means that if the animal is not properly protected, it will most likely go extinct in the future. In Africa, more and more habitat is disappearing, so lions are increasingly being spotted in villages. With dire consequences. Poaching and disease among the animals are other common threats.

The Hilvarenbeek park, along with other European zoos, is committed to preserving the species. They do this by ensuring a healthy reserve population through management programs. The birth of the four cubs is therefore important for the future of this species.

Birthday
In June, Safaripark Beekse Bergen was allowed to blow out 55 candles. Safaripark General Manager Rens Willemsen: "We are very pleased with this iconic birth in this anniversary year. Because Beekse Bergen started in 1968 as Lion Park Beekse Bergen, it is extra special that just this year, again for the first time in six years, we can welcome four young cubs!"

The cubs were born in the stay on the route of the car and walking safari. For now, they are not visible to visitors.

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