The Bedford Estates, LondonExactly one year ago today, African lioness Dakota gave birth to a large litter of lion cubs during the UK’s first covid-19 lockdown.
She had her paws full from day one with her four cubs and even now the mischievous quadruplets still enjoy keeping the whole pride on their toes with their antics.
Today, female Amara and males, Hasani, Iniko and Zulu are celebrating their 1st birthday!
A look back on the cubs' first year...
Their first few weeks
Born in the early hours of the 24th April 2020, the cubs spent the next few weeks finding their feet inside the specially built lion house alongside their mother, Dakota.
The 29th June was an exciting day as, having had the all-clear from the vets and after receiving their vaccinations, the young cubs ventured outside for the first time to discover their new playground; the outdoor paddock adjacent to the lion house.
At just six weeks old the cubs were seen giving mum's meat a taste for the first time and Dakota's feeds were increased to ensure she was able to produce plenty of milk for her large litter, until they were fully weaned at around six to eight months old.
Meeting the rest of the pride
At 16 weeks old, after spending time bonding and growing in strength in their side pen, the quadruplets ventured out into their new home on the Road Safari, with the three young males leading the way, while Amara kept closer to Dakota, to meet the rest of the pride.
They were introduced to lionesses Abi, Tyra, Zuri and Tallulah, as well as Zuri's two older cubs, Kahari and Kojo, under the careful watch of Dakota.
Settling into their surroundings
Although somewhat wary of crossing the roads to begin with, the youngsters took to their new home well and quickly settled into life alongside the rest of the pride.
Now, the youngsters can be seen running and playing with one another, and with juveniles Kahari and Kojo, feasting alongside the older females of the pride, and playing with the many enrichment items located around their large reserve.
BOOK NOW