Billabong Zoo's breeding program in Port Macquarie is now home to three new cute and cuddly African lion cubs.
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The six week old cubs include two females named Zoraya and Nuru as well as a male named Kiros, born to Billabong Zoo parents, Misty and Milo on January 4.
They were later revealed on March 7.
Zoraya, Nuru and Kiros are named after African words for princess, light and the king.
Billabong Zoo owner Mark Stone said the new arrivals were a surprise to keepers, Brooke and Christy.
"These guys were quite a surprise because we had some problems with Misty losing her milk and those sorts of things," he said.
"So we certainly weren't thinking we would be this fast with another litter, for her to have three and survive with all three.
"Obviously there's a male and two females, so that means that the blood line can be shared around and to other zoological institutes and their breeding program to strengthen the genetic bloodlines."
Misty will raise the cubs over the next 12 to 18 months while being introduced to their six month old brother, Amari and father, Milo.
The cubs have been implanted with a lifetime identification microchip and had their first vaccinations.
Misty has been implanted with a contraceptive to halt breeding until another litter is considered.
Mr Stone said unfortunately the cubs will not become a permanent resident at the zoo and will eventually be transported to other breeding programs in Australia.
"It's very hard because obviously our guys put in a lot of time making sure everything is perfect to them and to our standard," he said.
"To send an animal away to help someone else is a difficult thing, it's like sending your children away.
"There is a place in Queensland that has been very supportive of us and we have of them. I know they are very keen to acquire a new bloodline so I'd like them to go there.
"But we don't necessarily have a final say because it is about helping these guys as a collection in Australia."
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