Thursday October 22nd 2026
Bindee after giving birth to the cubs (photo by RZSS)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two Asiatic lion cubs, the first to be born at the zoo in seven years.
The cubs were born on October 11 to first-time mother Bindee, with keepers at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) watching the birth through live cameras in the cubbing den.
Bindee is doing well and has been bonding with her newborns, while father Jay is also said to be settling into life with the new arrivals.
The wildlife conservation charity will keep the family away from visitors while staff monitor the cubs and give them time to settle.
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 first suspected Bindee was pregnant after noticing her stomach had grown and she was moving more slowly than usual. Their suspicions were confirmed when she began pacing and making final adjustments to her den.
Ms 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 remain in the den for several months before venturing out to explore their habitat. As is typical for lions, Bindee will take the lead in caring for her young during their early months.
The lion habitat is currently closed to the public until further notice, with the zoo set to provide updates on its reopening when more information becomes available.
Visitors can book tickets online at Edinburgh Zoo website.
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