Lion Cubs at Werribee Open Range Zoo
There’s double the trouble (and double the cuteness) waiting for you at Werribee Open Range Zoo, with our two lion cubs making their very first appearances out on habitat.
At just over two months old, this brother–sister duo is already showing plenty of personality, with tiny roars, wobbly confidence, and a whole lot of play-fighting.
Catch a member-exclusive first look at the cubs!
Recently, they passed their first veterinary check with flying colours (and a few dramatic roars for good measure).
Weighing in at around seven kilos each, they’ve been given a clean bill of health. Zoo Veterinarian Dr Sarah said the cubs might look like “little teddy bears”, but they’re quickly finding their voice.
“They are obviously little lions, so they were quite feisty and even gave me a bit of a scare with their roars during the checks,” she said. “Our vet team was very happy with how they are progressing, they’re gaining about a kilo a week and are developing really well.”
Like your household cat (just a much bigger version), the cubs have also received their first round of vaccinations to protect against common feline illnesses.
Life in the pride
When you visit, you’ll likely spot the cubs sticking close to mum, Asali, clambering over her, tumbling with each other, or snoozing side-by-side in the sun.
Each cub is already showing their own personality. The female is a little more reserved, while her brother is showing early signs of confidence (and a love of mischief).
Keeper Kristina says there’s never a dull moment:
“They are spending lots of time bothering their dad Sheru, half-sister Kianga, grandmother Nilo and their mum Asali." “It’s all part of learning how to be a lion, they’re testing boundaries, building confidence and starting to understand their role within the pride” she said. “They can be quite bold and curious one moment, then back cuddled up with mum the next. The whole team is so proud watching them develop.”
When to visit
Members, take note: mornings are your best bet to catch the cubs in action. As they build confidence, they’ll still duck back into their cosy den throughout the day, but a little patience goes a long way.
As the weather cools, you’ll see more of the pride on the move, with the cubs often trailing closely behind Asali.
Why they matter
While these two are keeping us entertained, they’re also an important part of a much bigger story.
African lions are listed as Vulnerable in the wild, with as few as 23,000 remaining across sub-Saharan Africa due to habitat loss and human conflict. Zoos Victoria is proud to be part of a regional breeding program helping to secure their future.
Did you know?
- Lion cubs weigh around 1.5kg at birth, these two have already grown fast. Adult males can reach 170–230 kilograms, while females reach 110–140 kilograms.
- Lion gestation lasts around three and a half months (103–119 days).
- Mum, Asali was born at Werribee Open Range Zoo on 12 August 2017. Mums do most of the early heavy lifting, caring for and protecting cubs before gradually introducing them to the pride.
- Dad, Sheru was born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo) on 19 November 2016, moved to Sydney Zoo in May 2019, and arrived at Werribee in March 2022. Dads like Sheru play an important role too, guarding the pride and their territory.
If you haven’t visited in a while, consider this your sign. Your newest pride members are waiting!
