A lustful lion who mated with two lionesses is now the proud father of seven cubs who were born just weeks apart of one another.
Five-year-old African lion Tsavo, who had encounters with ten-month-old Scar and seven-year-old Amber at West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley, Worcestershire, last spring, now has his paws full after becoming a father to the two lively litters.
Keepers at the safari, who had not expected both lionesses to fall pregnant, will begin to introduce the cubs to the rest of the pride and their father Tsavo, who arrived at the park with his two brothers Jilani and Jengo in 2016, over the next few weeks.
Scar gave birth to three cubs on August 27 and on September 17 seven-year-old Amber had four more cubs.
Tsavo (left with brothers Jilani and Jengo) will soon be introduced to his seven cubs after the two lionesses he mated with last spring fell pregnant and gave birth to litters at West Midlands Safari Park in Worcestershire
One of the lionesses, ten-month-old Scar, gave birth to three cubs (pictured) on August 27 after mating with Tsavo the lion last year
Amber’s cubs have been named Hodge (pictured), Havoc, Harabi, and Hira and were welcomed into the world on September 17Staff at the safari, who have chosen names for the cubs beginning with the letter ‘H’, later took to Twitter to announce the arrival of the litters in a message that read: ‘After a gestation period of around four months, ten-year-old Scar gave birth to three cubs on 27 August 2019, with the second litter of four cubs following three weeks later on 17 September 2019, for seven-year-old Amber…’
Scar’s cubs have been called Hunter, Hercules and Hernatty (two males and a female), whilst Amber’s are named Harabi, Hodge, Havoc and Hira (three males and a female).
Head Keeper of Carnivores, Chris Hodgkins, said: ‘We are so excited to share our news about our latest arrivals.
Amber’s cubs and Scar’s cubs have been inseparable ever since they were introduced to one another and will often play with each other. Pictured: Amber’s cub Havoc with sibling
Scar’s cubs (pictured) and Amber’s cubs will soon be introduced to the rest of the pride, including their father Tsavo, in the next few weeks
Scar (pictured with her cubs left and right) and Amber are both first time mothers and keepers at the safari said they gave birth to their litters without any struggles
Both sets of cubs, who will be introduced to the public from February half term, have had their vaccinations and have been introduced to each other. Pictured: Scar keeps a watchful eye over her cub
Carnivore keeper Holly Clayton-Wright (left) and Head Keeper of Carnivores Chris Hodgkins (right) were pictured holding Hernatty and Hercules steady as they underwent their health checks with the vet
The cubs, who have been exploring their surroundings since they were born, were left alone for the first few days by staff.
The cubs were introduced to the different areas of the lion house, whilst the rest of the pride were out on the safari and will soon meet their father Tsavo. Pictured: Scar’s three cubs play with each other
