Dublin Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of male Asian lion, Kushanu, from Edinburgh Zoo. Five-year-old Kushanu has joined nine-year-old female, Kamala, at the Asian lion habitat at Dublin Zoo, which is located beside Sea Lion Cove and close to the red panda habitat.
Kushanu has been getting used to his new habitat since his arrival in March, and is forming a strong bond with Kamala. There is great excitement at Dublin Zoo, as it is hoped the pair will breed and produce healthy cubs.
Dublin Zoo is part of the European Endangered Species Programme for the Asian lion, which manages their population and breeding. With the Asian lion classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the breeding programme for the species is vitally important. It is estimated that there are approximately 500-600 individuals left in the wild, due to threats such as habitat loss and poaching (illegal hunting).
Today, Asian lions live in only one place in the wild, the Gir National Park and Sanctuary in India. This means that Asian lions are also vulnerable to unexpected events in that area such as natural disasters or diseases. Another significant threat is conflict with farmers when lions come onto their lands.
The lion has the loudest roar of all the big cats and can be heard up to eight kilometres away. The male lion is the only cat that has a mane, which is an indication of their maturity and dominance. Asian lions have shorter, darker manes than African lions. Asian lions are carnivores (meat-eaters) and are known as ambush predators; they hide from their prey and then charge at it, grabbing them before they can escape.
Ciaran McMahon, team leader at Dublin Zoo, said:
“We are excited to welcome Kushanu, our new Asian lion, who is settling in well in his new habitat. He is building a close bond with female Kamala, which has been thrilling for the team. Dublin Zoo is part of the European breeding programme for the Asian lion, and we hope that Kamala and Kushanu will bring healthy cubs to contribute to the survival of this Endangered species. We look forward to hearing Kushanu’s impressive roars, and visitors can be excited to see Kushanu’s distinctive mane as he explores his new habitat.”
Dublin Zoo is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 7.00pm and visitors can book tickets to visit Kushanu here.
