The Delhi zoo has welcomed an Asiatic lion cub for the first time after 16 years. On Sunday morning, a five-year-old lioness, Mahagauri, gave birth to 4 comes inside the Delhi zoo premises. She was herself brought to the Delhi zoo in 2021 through an animal exchange program from Gujarat Sakkarbaug zoo, along with another lioness named Shailja and a male lion named Maheshwar. The zoo now confirms that these cups are fathered by Maheshwar.

The Delhi zoo has kept Mahagauri and her 4 cups under close observation, and they are being monitored by a 24/7 CCTV camera. Officials of the Delhi zoo also stated that the next 24 to 48 hours are extremely critical for the Asiatic lion, especially since this is Mahagauri’s first litter. Interventions by zookeepers and veterinary doctors will only occur when necessary, to avoid distress to the new mother and her cubs, told zoo officials to the national media.

Success For Delhi Zoo

Officials also emphasise that no external interference will be made unless a medical emergency arises. “After 48 hours, if necessary, we may intervene, but for now, the focus is on observation and support,” the zoo official said to the national media. “If these cubs are free of diseases, this birth will be hailed as a successful audition… part of the Delhi zoo conservation efforts to strengthen the population of endangered Asiatic lions,” the officials further added.