DUBLIN ZOO HAS welcomed a five-year-old Asian lion, named Kushanu, who will join female Kamala at the Asian lion habitat.

Asian Lions are classified as endangered species and Kushanu has been brought into the zoo as a part of a breeding programme to manage their population.

“There are only 500-600 individuals left in the wild,” Dublin Zoo said.

The lion arrived from Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland in March. The zoo announced the arrival today, and released photos of the big cat. 

Team leader at Dublin Zoo Ciaran McMahon said, “We hope that Kamala and Kushanu will bring healthy cubs to contribute to the survival of this endangered species. We look forward to hearing Kushanu’s impressive roars, and visitors can be excited to see Kushanu’s distinctive mane as he explores his new habitat.”

A male lion is the only cat in the family to have a mane and has the loudest roar which can be heard up to eight kilometres away – an indication of their dominance. Asian lions have shorter and darker manes than their African counterparts.

They live in only one place in the world – the Gir National Park in India, where they can be susceptible to natural disasters, diseases, habitat loss, poaching and conflict with farmers – all of which threaten their survival.

“We are excited to welcome Kushanu, our new Asian lion, who is settling in well in his new habitat. He is building a close bond with female Kamala, which has been thrilling for the team,” McMahon said.