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Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of a female Asian lion, a significant development in the international breeding programme for the endangered species.
The cub was born on August 11th to mother Sita, who came from Mulhouse Zoo in France in 2012 and father Kumar, who came to Dublin Zoo from Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands last year.
The new arrival joins Kuno, who was born to Kumar and another female, Zuri, in May.
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According to Dublin Zoo, both births are significant for the international breeding programme for Asian lions. The entire wild population of the species – some 350 lions – can be found in one place, the Gir Forest in India.
Team leader Ciaran McMahon said: “It is wonderful to be welcoming a second Asian lion cub to Dublin Zoo so soon after the birth of Kuno. These lions are endangered and it is of great conservation importance that zoos maintain a viable population of Asian lions.
“The female cub is settling in very well. At two months old she now weighs an estimated 6kg and has developed a strong bond with mum Sita.”
Dublin Zoo is inviting the public to suggest a name through its Facebook page for the new arrival based on her Asian origin.