Dublin Zoo is celebrating after a baby female lion was born at the zoo.

The cub was born June 25th to parents Sita and Kumar - and weighs around 5kgs at 10 weeks old.

She is the third Asian lion cub born at the zoo since May 2014, and joins the pride of five there - including sister Kyna and half-brother Kuno.

The zoo says the births of Asian lions are hugely significant for the international breeding programme.

Proud parent | Image: Dublin Zoo

There are less than 350 Asian lions in the wild, and the entire wild population of these lions can be found in one place - the Gir Forest in India.

Team leader Ciaran McMahon said: "We are thrilled with our new arrival. These lions are endangered in the wild and it is important for conservation that zoos maintain a viable population of Asian lions".

"The female cub is settling in very well" he added.

Dublin Zoo is inviting the public to suggest a name for the new arrival, based on her Asian origin, from 9am tomorrow on its website.