Five rare Northern African lion cubs have ventured outside for the first time at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. This is significant because Northern African lions are a rare subspecies facing threats in the wild, and these cubs form part of an international conservation breeding programme designed to protect their genetic lineage.

The five cubs were born in June 2026 to their mother, Waka, and have been named after characters from Disney's The Lion King: three males (Mufasa, Pumbaa and Rafiki) and two females (Sarabi and Shenzi). After spending their first five weeks sheltered in their den, the cubs have now begun exploring their spacious outdoor home as they have grown stronger and more curious. Sarah McGregor, the predators section manager at the zoo, noted that the cubs are at an age where they are very curious and keen to investigate their surroundings.