The National Zoo and Aquarium has welcomed its first lion cub since 2002.

Proud parents Nairibi and Mlinzi are now joined by the newest member of their family, daughter Nyra.

Nyra was born 26 April 2025 and is the first little one between Nairibi and Mlinzi, but only went on display to the public in August. Her name means unity in Swahili.

National Zoo and Aquarium board director and general manager Paul Whitehorn said the last time a lion cub was born at the zoo was in 2002.

He said the relationship of the new lion family has been amazing.

“With all lions, mum usually leaves the pride to just go off and have the baby, bonds and get really comfortable with that whole process,” Mr Whitehorn said.

“Then it’s a case of getting dad included in the group — the same ways it would happen in the wild.

“So mum and bub were in our off-limit closure for the first sort of eight-to-ten weeks.

“Then we started introducing dad through the wire so they could all meet, but he couldn’t get too involved.”

Mr Whitehorn said this is the first time Mlinzi has been a father.

“And that’s very noticeable,” he said.

“He’s picking up on it. Nairibi has had to sort of tell them off a few times for being a little bit too gruff with the cub. But since then, he absolutely seems to be shining.

“She’s an experienced mum. She has had babies before at her previous zoo.

“He’s (Mlinzi) a bit of an odd lion. He’s very sort of grumpy but is definitely showing a softer side now.”

Mr Whitehorn said Nyra was a typical youngster who enjoyed running around, playing with balls, hanging off mum and dad and also grabbing their tails, and sleeping in between.

National Zoo and Aquarium board director and general manager Amanda Mead said the zoo was excited to have a new baby.

“We’re always excited for new babies to welcome them to our zoo family,” she said.

“This, in particular, is very special to welcome our new baby lion cub to our gorgeous family here at the zoo.”

She said mum and dad are proudly showing off their sassy and cheeky baby.

“Our guests who stay at Jamala get a very special experience if they stay in this gorgeous bungalow, for sure,” Ms Mead said.

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