(Image: RZSS)
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed two Asiatic lion cubs, the first to be born at the zoo in seven years.
The cubs were born on October 11 to 10-year-old lioness Bindee in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
The lion cubs and mother Bindee. (Image: RZSS)
The cubs are being cared for in a private den and will remain out of public view for several months while they bond with Bindee and grow stronger.
The zoo’s last Asiatic lion cubs were born in September 2019. The three cubs, named Mitaali, Keshari and Kushanu, were the previous arrivals of their kind at the zoo.
The lion cubs and mother Bindee. (Image: RZSS)
Asiatic lions are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an estimated 350 remaining in the wild. They are found exclusively in Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, India.
Slightly smaller than African lions, male Asiatic lions are distinguished by their shorter manes.
Male Jayendra, known as Jay, is 15 years old. (Image: RZSS)
The lion habitat is currently closed to visitors while the new cubs settle in.
The zoo said it would provide updates on reopening when more information becomes available.
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Alison MacLean, animal team leader at RZSS, said: "We are so proud of Bindee and Jay and absolutely thrilled with the beautiful new arrivals.
"Mum is happily bonding with the little cubs while Jay is his usual chilled-out self.
"We suspected Bindee was pregnant for a little while, especially after she has been getting on so well with Jay this summer.
"There was a mix of nerves and excitement as we waited to see if our suspicions were right.
"To finally have the cubs arrive and see everything going so well is brilliant."