Zoo welcomes four new rare Barbary lion cubs whose population is extinct outside of protection
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.