DKANE 4th July 2024 REPRO FREE One of the new born Asiatic Lion cubs recently born in Fota Wildlife Park. Fota Wildlife Park is thrilled to announce the birth of three male endangered Asiatic lion cubs to mother Arya, who recently returned from Helsinki Zoo and who was part of the first lion cub litter to be born at the Park. Six-year-old Arya was paired with the male lion Yali, and their cubs were born on the 5th of June. Eight-year-old Yali is the most genetically significant Asiatic lion in the European Breeding Programme. The Asiatic lion is classified as endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and inhabits only one remaining site in the world, the Gir Forest in India, which means that wildlife parks and zoos play a crucial role in safeguarding the species. The current population in the Gir Forest is estimated to be in the region of 500 to 600 lions. Photo. Darragh Kane