Dulin Zoo has announced the newest member if its pride – formally announcing five-year-old Asiatic lion Kushanu to the world.

The new arrival moved from Edinburgh to Dublin in March and has since been getting to know nine-year-old Kamala.

There is ‘great excitement’ at the zoo over the new arrival, with high hopes the new couple could soon spell cubs.

Asiatic lions were once plentiful across Asia; however, the species is now highly endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Kushanu in Dublin Zoo. Picture by: Dublin Zoo/Patrick Bolger

Today, only a few hundred Asiatic lions roam free in the wilds of Gir National Park in India and this tiny population means the breed is highly vulnerable to diseases or natural disasters. 

Dublin Zoo is part of the European breeding programme for the Asiatic lion and staff hope the arrival of Kushanu can help the species survive. 

“We hope that Kamala and Kushanu will bring healthy cubs to contribute to the survival of this endangered species,” Dublin Zoo team leader Ciaran McMahon said. 

“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.”

Kushanu in Dublin Zoo. Picture by: Dublin Zoo/Patrick Bolger

The Asiatic is similar to its better-known cousin, the African lion, but the males have slightly shorter manes.

Their roars can be heard up people up to 8 km away.

Main image: Kushanu. Picture by: Patrick Bolger/Dublin Zoo.