Taronga Western Plains Zoo is celebrating a triple treat with the arrival of three healthy African lion cubs, its first litter since 2016.
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The female cubs arrived at the zoo in Dubbo in central western NSW last month. It is the first litter for new breeding pair Marion and Lwazi.
Senior keeper Melanie Friedman says the cubs are healthy and being well looked after by first-time mum Marion.
"It has been a privilege to watch and be part of her journey through to motherhood and now nurturing these three precious bundles of fluff," Ms Friedman said.
Marion gave birth to two cubs naturally, before one was stillborn after being delivered by emergency caesarean, which saved the life of the third surviving cub.
The cubs are now almost three-and-a-half weeks old, their eyes have opened and they are moving around their den.
The arrival of the cubs is an important milestone for the regional breeding program, as the union of Marion and Lwazi introduces a new genetic line.
The cubs will spend their first few months of life behind the scenes before being introduced to Lwazi and the world outside their den.
African lions are classified as vulnerable in the wild, with populations decreasing due to human-animal conflict, depleted prey base and habitat loss.
Australian Associated Press
