Inbred lion cubs get clean bill of health

Three lion cubs whose "shock" birth in captivity was the result of an incestuous mating between a mother and her son are all healthy, staff at a wildlife park have confirmed.

The cubs, which are now nine weeks old, were born in April at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP), near Doncaster, amid fears the inbreeding could cause genetic problems.

But YWP staff said that following the cubs' two-month check up and vaccinations, they had a "clean bill of health".

Bex Brown, head of carnivores at the wildlife park, said it was "such a delight to see a new generation of lions healthy and happy".

The cubs' mother, Aysa, was rescued from war-torn Kyiv in March 2024 with her female cubs Emi and Santa, and male Teddi, who is now two-and-a-half-years-old.

They arrived at YWP after being moved 2,000 miles (3,219km) by road from a Polish holding facility.

It was thought that Aysa became pregnant between two vasectomy procedures her son Teddi underwent towards the end of 2024.

The park has been criticised for the "against the odds" pregnancy, because inbreeding can lead to health defects and abnormalities.

But a spokesperson said it was decided not to separate the lioness and her older cubs because they had spent nine months apart without sunlight or outside stimulation on their journey to Doncaster and there had been fears separating them again would have "compromised" Teddi.

Staff at YWP said following the cubs' latest check-ups and vaccinations, their development was on track and they were hitting weight and growth milestones.

"We are so happy to share that the cubs are doing well," Ms Brown said.

"Their personalities are already coming through and the boys are definitely a bit more boisterous.

"The female is a little more delicate and keener on coming over to see the keepers."

Staff said the cubs needed "the best possible start at life" and, as the weather improved and the cubs grew, they were getting more time outside.

Eventually, the new cubs would live alongside their older siblings, but for now could be seen on screen, a spokesperson said.

Ms Brown said: "We're working on gradually progressing them to the reserves, but first need to do some 'cub-proofing' to ensure they're safe.

"Hopefully, soon visitors will be able to see the cubs their siblings and learn to socialise with the rest of the pride."

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