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Check out these totally roar-some lion cubs born in Blackpool Zoo

An African lion, with no mane, licking a cub that has its mouth wide open. They are pictured lying on the grass, leaning up against the trunk of a tree.Image source, Simon Couchman
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Not one, not two but three African Lion cubs have been born at Blackpool Zoo. And they are definitely the MANE event.

The cubs are the first to be born there in more than a decade.

African lions are currently classified as vulnerable in the wild. Their population has been getting smaller because of habitat loss, reduction in natural prey and human-wildlife conflict.

Which makes their arrival at the zoo even more welcomed. The staff are "absolutely delighted" that they've joined the family.

An African lion, holding a cub in its mouth, pictured against a grassy background.Image source, Simon Couchman
Image caption,

The cubs' father, Khari, pictured with one of the cubs, was the last African lion to be born at the zoo

Unusually, the cubs' mum - Hira - gave birth outside, over the weekend, and so some areas of their habitat are currently closed to visitors.

Adam Kenyon is in charge of the lion section at the zoo, and although he knows "visitors will be excited to meet the cubs...their welfare has to come first".

But even if the enclosure was fully open, it would be tricky to spot the new additions. Mum Hira is keeping them safely tucked away.

The cubs' dad, Khari, was the last African lion to be born at the zoo in 2015.

Adam says this makes it feel "even more special" that he's now a father.