New Delhi, July 10: The Delhi Zoo has welcomed three Asiatic lion cubs in a rare feat of repeat breeding in the same year involving the pair of lioness Mahagauri and lion Maheshwar, an official said on Friday. The lioness and her three newborn cubs are presently housed in a secure maternity enclosure, where they are being provided with a calm and undisturbed environment essential for the early stages of development, said the official in a statement.
The cubs remain under the constant care of their mother and are being closely monitored by the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams through CCTV surveillance system, it said. The repeat breeding success of the pair is a significant achievement in the National Zoological Park’s conservation breeding programme for the endangered Asiatic lion, said the official. On April 27, Maheshwar and Mahagauri had produced two healthy cubs, a male named Kartik and a female named Karni, both of whom are growing well at the zoo.
The National Zoological Park currently houses six Asiatic lions, comprising three males — Sundaram, Maheshwar and Kartik — and three females — Mahagauri, Shailja and Karni. Last month, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh launched the “NZP Saathi App”, a smart digital guide, at Delhi Zoo.
He also inaugurated self-ticketing kiosks aimed at enhancing visitor experience through smart navigation and easing online ticket booking, a statement said. The “NZP Saathi App”, available on both Android and iOS platforms, features an interactive digital map and smart navigation system that enables visitors to locate animal enclosures, washrooms, buggy points, exits and other facilities. The app also offers thematic tours, including Express Tour, Family Tour, Grand Zoo Tour and personalised “My Tour” options. The Self-ticketing Kiosks facilitate online ticket booking through UPI-based digital payments with free Wi-Fi connectivity for on-the-spot ticket booking.
IANS
