These playful lion cubs ventured out for a spot of rough and tumble yesterday – stepping outside for the very first time.
The four nine-week-old lion cubs tentatively tried out their outdoor paddock at Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, in Wiltshire, during their first public appearance.
Weighing about 1 kilo and no bigger than the size of a young Labrador puppy, the cubs were watched carefully by mum Yendi and dad Nibalo.
The unnamed baby lions – three females and a male – were born in March and have been closely monitored by keepers over the past few weeks to ensure they settle in.
Brian Kent, head of the lion enclosure at Longleat, said: ”We’re delighted with the progress the cubs have made so far.
”We’ll continue to keep an eye on them over the next couple of months as they begin to grow into life at Longleat.
”All four cubs are in a very playful mood at the moment running about chasing tails, chewing ears and jumping all over their parents.
”Despite the cubs creating all sorts of mischief out in the paddock Yendi has been amazing and making sure the cubs are well looked after as well as being on hand to sort out any day-to-day rough and tumble!”
The cubs will continue to be let out into their paddock over the next week before having the freedom of the main lion reserve with the rest of the pride later in the month.
The small cubs could grow up to to weight a massive 200kgs as adult lions.