Edinburgh Zoo welcomes two lion cubs for first time in seven years

Edinburgh Zoo have welcomed two lion cubs, the first to be born at the park in seven years.

The cubs were born to first-time mum, Bindee, and dad, Jay, both Asiatic lions, which originally come from India and are smaller and lighter than African lions.

Bindee gave birth on October 11, with Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) keepers watching the moment unfold via live cameras within the lion’s den.

Animal team leader Alison MacLean said: “We are so proud of Bindee and Jay and absolutely thrilled with the beautiful new arrivals.

Bindee gave birth on October 11 within the lion's habitat. — Bindee gave birth on October 11 within the lion’s habitat. RZSS

“Mum is happily bonding with the little cubs while Jay is his usual chilled-out self.”

Bindee and her cubs will remain out of sight of zoo visitors for now, while keepers monitor the new family as they settle and bond.

Keepers had their suspicions that Bindee might have been pregnant, as she was taking things more slowly and her belly was growing. She had spent a lot of time close to Jay over the summer.

Alison MacLean said: “We suspected Bindee was pregnant for a little while especially after she has been getting on so well with Jay this summer.

“There was a mix of nerves and excitement as we waited to see if our suspicions were right. To finally have the cubs arrive and see everything going so well is brilliant.”

Jayendra, known as Jay, is 15 years old and is known for being very chill. RZSS

There are thought to be around 350 Asiatic lions still living in the wild, and the species is classed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The cubs, which are the first to be born at the park since 2019, will spend several months being cared for in the den before venturing out to explore their habitat.

The lion habitat is currently closed to the public until further notice. Updates regarding its reopening will be provided as more information becomes available.

Edinburgh Zoo is experiencing a “baby boom” in 2026, with the birth of Piper the pygmy hippo, a Linne’s two-toed sloth called Atty, as well as a capybara and a giant anteater.