Lion cubs’ first steps outside

18.7.2025 by Pat Waldron

Trio of lion cubs have taken their first steps outside at award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The cubs, two males and one female who were born in April, have now received all their vaccinations and can explore outside in Lion Country. From the 3rd of July the visitors have been able to see them.

My first sight of the cubs

YWP Director of Animals Dr. Charlotte MacDonald said: “The cubs were very excited to roam outside and enjoy the sunshine.”

“We were waiting for them to receive all the necessary vaccinations before they could explore their new reserve. As it is their first adventure outside, they were very cautious to start with, but they soon grew in confidence and were following their mother, Aysa.”

Jabari, Felix and Nala (I don’t know which one is which)

“They have had limited access outside the house in a small nursery reserve so that they can see some of the sights and get used the sounds and smells of Lion Country but are now ready to venture out into the bigger reserve.”

“The boys are definitely a lot more boisterous than their sister, but they are all settling into their home.”

Mum Aysa and her first set of cubs, Emi, Santa and Teddi, now two and a half, arrived at the park in March 2024 after a 2000-mile road trip from a holding facility in Poland. Rescued from war torn Ukraine, they had spent nine months separated from each other and without seeing any sunlight or having the stimulation of the outside world.

Almost a year after the lions were reunited in Lion Country, mum Aysa gave birth to three more cubs.

Dr MacDonald added: ““These cubs have definitely had a better start in life than their older siblings did. We are thrilled to be able to provide their forever home.”

Santa took a keen interest in the cubs watching from the bank. When mum Aysa moved away she went down to the cubs. Like any good mum, Aysa went back to make sure they were not in danger!

Now it’s time for my kids to have some rest.

See you soon again!