Birth of a lion cub at Pairi Daiza
It's a girl !
The teams at Pairi Daiza are delighted to announce the birth of a lion cub, the offspring of Kenya and Kira, one of the lion couples living in "The Land of Origins." Naturally conceived and born, this female cub is doing well, just like her mother Kira (14 years old), who previously gave birth to Albi and Leo on February 20, 2022. Kenya (11 years old) is also in excellent health.
On the morning of November 20, 2024, the caretakers at Pairi Daiza joyfully discovered the arrival of the cub. This beautiful girl, weighing 1090 grams at birth, is calm and gaining weight daily, a sign of good health. Now, at just over two months old, she weighs nearly 10 kilograms.
A comprehensive veterinary check-up took place in mid-January to confirm her gender, identify her with an electronic microchip, and administer her first vaccinations.
Just as in the wild, where lionesses raise their cubs away from the group during the first weeks, her mother Kira is highly protective.
Puria Mahlouji, a member of the zoological management team: "Kira is once again proving to be an exemplary mother. She protects her cub and ensures regular feeding, allowing the little one to grow in peace. Our team intervenes with great discretion to respect this essential maternal bond. The cub is still nursing but has already begun to enjoy solid food as well."
Conservation is a mission of Pairi Daiza
Once widespread across large parts of Africa, lions have seen their population decline dramatically over the past two centuries. In just 12 years, the population of African lions (Panthera leo) has decreased by 25%, dropping from more than 33,000 to approximately 25,000 individuals. This decline is caused by human-wildlife conflicts, the loss of their natural habitats, and a reduction in their wild prey.
But not all hope is lost. Some lion populations are thriving and even reappearing in regions where they had disappeared, such as Mozambique and Chad. This return is the result of local conservation efforts that have created large mosaics of protected landscapes. These areas, connected by natural corridors, facilitate the migration of wildlife and contribute to the recovery of lion populations in these ecosystems.
Catherine Vancsok, Scientific Director of the Pairi Daiza Foundation "In the wild, lions face threats such as the destruction of their natural habitats, the loss of their prey, and poaching. Populations maintained in zoos as part of EEPs (EAZA Ex situ programs) can serve as 'safety nets,' providing these species with a chance for long-term survival and recovery. Beyond managing zoo populations, EEPs are also the driving force behind scientific research projects, conservation efforts in the wild, and educational programs."
When "the Best Zoo in Europe" reopens its doors on Saturday, February 8, visitors will still need to wait a little longer before they can admire this young lioness. For now, she remains with Kira in their warm indoor enclosure, the perfect place for rest and for strengthening the unique bond between mother and cub.
Soon, we will invite our community to vote for the young lioness’s name on the Pairi Daiza Facebook page.
Johan Vreys