A Czech zoo has recently welcomed three Barbary lion cubs, a major step forward in efforts to protect this endangered subspecies.
All female cubs were born in July at Dvůr Kralove Park and have already won over visitors with their playful behavior.
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The birth of these cubs is especially important for the survival of Barbary lions, which are extinct in the wild.
While the cubs are still unnamed, they have taken their first steps outdoors this week under the watchful care of their mother, Khalila.
This milestone marks a hopeful moment for the species, which once roamed northern Africa but has faced near extinction.
Historically, Barbary lions were decimated by human activities, including hunting and being forced into gladiator arenas during Roman times.
By the 1960s, they were believed to be extinct in the wild, with only a small population remaining in the care of Morocco’s royal family. Today, it’s estimated that only around 100 Barbary lions exist worldwide.
The Dvůr Kralove Zoo is part of a European conservation program to preserve the species. Through coordinated breeding and conservation efforts, zoos like this play a vital role in helping ensure the survival of Barbary lions for generations to come.
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