Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating the birth of two Asiatic lion cubs for the first time in seven years.
Keepers at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) witnessed the birth via live cameras in the cubbing den.
First time mum Bindee gave birth to the new arrivals on 11 October 2026 and is doing an excellent job of caring for her babies. Bindee and the cubs will remain away from visitors while the wildlife conservation charity monitors the new family as they settle and bond.
RZSS animal team leader Alison MacLean said: “We are so proud of Bindee and Jay and absolutely thrilled with the beautiful new arrivals! Mum is happily bonding with the little cubs while Jay is his usual chilled-out self.”
Keepers realised Bindee was pregnant when they noticed her stomach was larger and she was taking things a little slower. The pregnancy was confirmed when she began pacing and making final adjustments to her den.
Alison MacLean said: “We suspected Bindee was pregnant for a little while especially after she has been getting on so well with Jay this summer. There was a mix of nerves and excitement as we waited to see if our suspicions were right. To finally have the cubs arrive and see everything going so well is brilliant.”
The cubs will spend several months being cared for in the den before venturing out to explore their habitat. As is natural for lions, Bindee will do most of the caring for her young during their early months.
The lion habitat is currently closed to the public until further notice.