Knowsley's newborn lion cubs take step into limelight

Two newborn female lion cubs are set to make their first steps into the limelight at Knowsley Safari Park.

The eight-week-old cubs have been named Jessica and Victoria in honour of the gold medal winners of Team GB.

The cubs weigh in at 12lb and are already as heavy as a fully-grown domestic cats.

The cubs will spend a few more weeks with their mother Jasmine in a specially designed ‘suite’ and paddock, before being officially integrated into the pride.

The cubs have been in isolation since birth, but are now being slowly introduced to the bigger lions in the pride through a protective fence for their safety.

At nine weeks old the cubs will be given a full health check, vaccinations and be micro-chipped.

At 13 weeks old they will have their final jabs, and once they are vaccinated, strong and healthy enough they will be introduced into the pride to ensure the group accept the new additions to the family.

For more information visit the Knowsley Safari Park website.