Library photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash
There are three reasons to smile this January with the birth of a precious litter of lion cubs at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.
Oudrika and her babies are all doing well and their father, Adras, is also watching over the pride from a distance. The sex of the babies is currently unknown, as the lioness is understandably keeping a very close eye on her new arrivals.
Second time parents, Adras and Oudrika, welcomed three cubs back in May 2019, which was the first time that lions had been born at Port Lympne in over 10 years.
The live stream attracted Port Lympne’s largest ever audience to their popular ‘Cub Cam’ with more than 22,000 viewers checking the feed on Wednesday alone to witness the new arrivals being welcomed by their curious older siblings. Donations to support the cubs have started to come in from around the world following their call to help support, whilst our parks remain closed.
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Richard Barnes, Animal Manager, commented: “After a tough 2020, the birth of lion cubs at Port Lympne is a wonderful start to 2021. The whole team here at Port Lympne have been glued to Cub Cam all day. When Oudrika’s first litter were born, visitors were keen to catch a glimpse of the cubs. Our latest arrivals are just as adorable, and we are sorry that – due to the nationwide lockdown – we cannot invite families to the reserve to see our new family of lions just yet. We look forward to being able to welcome visitors again as soon as it is appropriate to do so.”
The new born cubs are currently being nursed in a den, which is being broadcast live on the park’s YouTube channel 24 hours a day. The births and key moments from the cubs’ first day have been uploaded to the channel as unmissable catch up videos.
Big cat lovers who want to support the pride can send virtual care packages or adopt the Port Lympne lions via the reserve’s online shop.
When Port Lympne reopens to overnight guests, those staying in the exclusive Lion Lodges which adjoin the enclosure are likely to have a prime view once the cubs begin to explore their expansive enclosure. Alternatively, Port Lympne’s rustic Pinewood glamping pods are located opposite the lion’s habitat and are available throughout 2021 with prices starting from just £139.Short breaks are open for 2021 visit to book https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/short-breaks.