Rajkot Zoo Welcomes Three New Asiatic Lion Cubs, Boosting Population to 20
Exciting News from Rajkot Zoo
Representational Image of Asiatic lion(Photo: @MonaPatelT/X)
Rajkot, July 28: The Rajkot Zoo has celebrated the arrival of three new Asiatic lion cubs, bringing the total number of these majestic animals in the zoo to 20. This event marks yet another successful breeding achievement at the municipal zoo, as reported by officials on Tuesday.
The cubs were born to the male lion named 'Dhananjay' and the lioness 'Dharti' during the night of July 22, following a gestation period of 107 days. Both the mother and her three cubs are reported to be in good health.
Zoo officials have stated that the veterinary team and staff are closely monitoring the lioness and her cubs around the clock via CCTV to ensure their safety and well-being.
This latest birth follows another successful breeding event at the zoo just over a month ago, when lioness 'Dhara' gave birth to three healthy cubs on June 11.
According to officials, the Rajkot Zoo, operated by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, has been developed with modern facilities under the guidance of the Central Zoo Authority of India. This has transformed it into one of the premier tourist destinations in the Saurashtra region, attracting a significant number of visitors, especially during holidays and festivals, with around seven lakh people visiting annually.
Additionally, the zoo has enhanced its collection through the Wildlife Exchange Programme, acquiring various species of animals and birds from other zoos across India.
The natural forest-like environment at Rajkot Zoo has proven to be conducive for the breeding of Asiatic lions and white tigers, leading to repeated successful breeding outcomes.
With the addition of the three newborns, the zoo now houses a total of 20 Asiatic lions, which includes four adult males, eight adult females, two sub-adult males, and six cubs.
Since the inception of its breeding programme, Rajkot Zoo has welcomed a total of 58 Asiatic lion cubs. Under the Wildlife Exchange Programme, the zoo has also supplied lions to various institutions in exchange for other animal and bird species.
Currently, the zoo is home to 614 animals and birds representing 70 different species.