The lions were moved in crates on the back of a truck, and after settling in well behind the scenes, they were recently let out by keepers to start to explore their new exhibit.

There’s not long to go now; the major new Pride Lands precinct will be open to visitors this upcoming Easter weekend.

The lions now have two separate enclosures including an enormous 3.5-hectare space to roam, and return to behind-the-scenes night yards overnight.

With so many new areas to explore, complete with huge kopjes (rock piles), logs and trees, the cubs and the rest of the pride enjoyed the new and exciting experience of being released into their new home.

The pride was quick to check out every corner of the large exhibit, and the four juvenile male cubs could be seen chasing and playing with each other beneath the shade of the trees, clearly relaxed in the new space. The outlook from the African-style visitor viewing shelters is impressive, and visitors will love the experience of watching the pride at play. The countdown is now on!

Visitors can prowl the Pride Lands from Easter and for more information about the all new lion Pride Lands exhibit, including the Pride Lands Patrol tour (additional cost), can be found at taronga.org.au/lionpridelands.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is holding a Rhino food drive

Zoo keepers are seeking Kurrajong for the zoo’s rhinos to eat. They love the tasty branches and leaves - so if you have a trailer load of Kurrajong and can deliver it to the zoo in Dubbo please call 02 68811400 to co-ordinate your donation.

In February, Taronga Zoo Sydney celebrated the successful breeding of more than 20 feathertail glider infants, one of the smallest mammals in the world.

Twelve different feathertail glider’s fell pregnant at a similar time and now care communally for one another’s young. The emergence of the joeys from their mother’s pouch typically occurs after around 63 days. 

Keepers can’t be sure exactly how many joeys have been born as the speedy little gliders race around their exhibit gliding between branches, however they estimate to have spotted approximately 20.