Longleat lion cubs named

Two new African Lion Cubs, born at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park on 10th September, have been named "Simba" and "Nala" after the much loved characters in Disney's The Lion King. Disney will help these loveable siblings into the "Circle of Life" by helping to feed them over their first year as they grow into full-grown healthy lions.

Simba and Nala are two of four cubs born at Longleat last month to first-time mum Malaika (meaning 'Angel' in Swahili) who was also born at Longleat back in 2005. The other two cubs have been named "Enzi" which means 'Powerful' in Swahili, and  "Nyota" which means 'Star'.  

The cubs will be found within the second lion reserve at Longleat where they will join an existing pride of twelve lions, headed up by the male lion, Nibalo who arrived at Longleat back in November 2010. The four cubs recently born are the second litter in 2011, prior to this year Longleat's last lion cubs were born back in August 2007.

Bob Trollope, Big Cat Keeper at Longleat, comments:

"We are delighted to introduce our new lion cubs to the world and especially happy that they can be a part of Disney history and help to celebrate such a beloved animation. Simba, Nala and their siblings look forward to meeting you all."