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Zoo celebrates birth of Asiatic lion cubs
The cubs and their mother are being monitored via hidden cameras.
The species is the focus of an international breeding programme.

The birth of three Asiatic lion cubs at London Zoo has been celebrated as a success for international conservation efforts.

The three cubs were born on 13 March 2024 to seven-year-old mother Arya. Keepers monitored her six-hour labour via hidden cameras to make sure both the mother and the cubs were okay. The father is 14-year-old Bhanu.

The wild population of Asiatic lions stands at just 600 to 700, with the species now found only in the Gir Forest in India. An international breeding programme, which London Zoo is part of, is aiming to create a back up population to help protect the long-term survival of the species.

Kathryn Sanders, London Zoo’s head big cat keeper, said: “We are over the moon to be able to share the amazing news that we’ve had three endangered Asiatic lion cubs born at London Zoo.
 
“Their arrival is not only hugely exciting for all of us here at London Zoo, but is a huge boost for the conservation breeding programme for these endangered big cats.”

Since their birth, the cubs have been staying in a purpose-built cubbing den with their mother. They opened their eyes after 10 days and have taken their first steps.

The cubs’ sexes will be discovered when they undergo their first veterinary check and receive their vaccinations at around 10 to 11 weeks old. They will then be named.

Ms Sanders added: “We expect that the three-week-old cubs will likely stay inside with mum for a little while yet, although as the weather gets warmer, we might see them venturing outside soon.”

Image © Zoological Society of London

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.