3 days ago
Extremely rare and endangered lion cubs arrive at European zoo
Four Barbary lion cubs, a species extinct in the wild, have been born at Dvůr Králové Safari Park in the Czech Republic.
The arrival of the three females and one male provides a vital boost to global conservation efforts for the rare big cat, with fewer than 200 estimated to live in captivity worldwide.
The playful cubs are destined for other participating zoos as part of an international endangered species programme coordinating their survival in captivity.
Preliminary steps are underway for a possible reintroduction of the Barbary lion into its natural habitat in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, though this is considered a 'far distant future' prospect.
Initial discussions with Moroccan authorities have taken place, and a conference of experts is planned for late this year or early 2026 in Morocco to assess the feasibility of such a reintroduction.
