Werribee Open Range Zoo's trio of inquisitive and playful three-month-old Lion cubs are becoming well acquainted with the king of Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Cubs Mwezi, Kianga and Jango are thriving in the company of their patient father – six-year-old pride male Sheru – as they play and pounce on his pristine golden mane.
According to Zoo Keepers, despite the cheeky behaviour of the mischievous trio, Sheru is very calm and confident in their presence – allowing the cubs to jump and pounce on him and spending time resting together.
The cubs are continuing to grow and build their strength, enabling them to spend longer periods of time with Sheru and also in view of Zoo visitors.
During the past three months, the cubs would often tire very quickly after small periods of play and retreat to the comforts of their den with their mother Nilo, whereas now, the cubs have the stamina to explore their habitat for an entire day at a time.
African lions are listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, with their population declining to around only 39,000 in the wild in sub-Saharan Africa.
