Press release - lion cub

FIRST TIME DAD MEETS LION CUBS JUST IN TIME FOR FATHER'S DAY!

Today, London Zoo's two new Asian lion cubs (both female) will venture out into the open to meet their father, Kamal, just in time for Father's day!

This is the first time Kamal has sired cubs and since they were born on 16 January 1999 they have been kept under the protective and watchful eye of
their mum, Ruchi. Keepers have monitored their progress carefully and having successfully completed their inoculations the cubs will now meet their dad.

Kamal was bought to London Zoo on breeding loan in December 1995. Last year Ruchi began to show all the right signs of being pregnant and went on to
give birth to two cubs on 16 January 1999.

Ruchi has previously bred six other cubs at London Zoo all of whom are now involved in the European Breeding programme. Asian lion cubs are found in
the Gir forest in North West India and current estimates are only around 300 in the wild. There are currently around 70 Asian lions in captivity. The European Breeding Programme is co-ordinated by London Zoo.

"We're delighted that we have again been successful in breeding Asian lion's and that the two female cubs will be an important addition to the European Breeding Programme. The Asian lion is a beautiful species and we're looking forward to seeing Kamal playing with his new cubs," says Ray Charter, Head Keeper of the Lion Terraces at London Zoo.

For further information please contact:
Debbie Curtis/Helen Golesworthy/Joe Laing
Tel: 0171 449 6363/6361/6236