Etawah:
Lionus Rupa has given birth to three healthy cubs during her third pregnancy, a major success for the Asiatic Lion Breeding Center at Etva Lion Safari Park, officials here said.
He said that he was born in the early hours of Monday, and both mother and cub were said in good health.
Anil Kumar Patel, director of Etawah Lion Safari Park and director of Asian Lion Breeding Center, said, “Lionus Rupa gave birth to his first cub at 12:35 pm, second at 1:42 pm, and third at 5:59 pm on April 20-21. The three cubs and mother are being healthy and carpa. Rupa was born on 26 June, 2019. He was born on January 5 and this year, this year was born on January 5, this year. She was with Kanha, and the expected delivery window was between 17 to 22 April.
Patel said, “We were ready for delivery, and as anticipated, Rupa gave the cub during this time limit.”
The Safari administration is closely monitoring the mother and her cubs through CCTV surveillance. Officials said that the cub has started trying to feed the mother’s milk.
Deputy Director Ak Singh said that Rupa first gave birth to his first cub on September 3, 2023, but did not nurse the child. He said, “That cub had to fade and take care of the safari veterinarians and keepers. It is now about one and a half years old and healthy.”
Given the legacy of Rupa’s mother, Shers Jessica, Mr. Singh also highlighted the success of the breeding program, who gave birth to several cubs between 2016 and 2020, including Simba, Sultan, Bahubali, India, Rupa, Sona, Gargi and Neerja.
Additionally, it was brought from Gujarat to Etawah in 2020, Shers Jennifer gave birth to two male cubs in 2020 – Kesari in 2020 and Vishwa in 2022. In March 2025, Shers Neerja gave birth to three cubs, who are now older than a month, he said.
With Rupa’s latest garbage, the total number of cubs born in Etawah Lion Safari Park has reached 16, of which nine are of the second generation.
“Currently, there are 21 lions in the park, including 16 within 16 safari,” Mr. Singh said, “This shows the continuous success of the Asian Lion Breeding Center in Etwa.” Dr. of the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officers of Safari. Ruwin Singh and Dr. Shailendra Singh said that the health and behavior of Rupa and his newborns is being closely seen through CCTV.
Dr. Shailendra Singh said that the lioness and its cubs are under constant monitoring and are in the right health.
Reacting to development, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X in Hindi, “Good news from Etawah Lion Safari that lioness Rupa has given birth to three healthy cubs. Hopefully, the dedicated employees will take good care of them. Congratulations to all!” “The dream of Etawah Lion Safari which we had fulfilled is now flourishing and the family has now reached the auspicious number of 21. We want this infinite wishes for its continuous growth!” He said.
Etawah Lion Safari has brought good news that lioness Rupa has given birth to three healthy cubs. Hope the dedicated staff will take care of them well. Congratulations to everyone!
The dream of Etawah Lion Safari we fulfilled is now booming and now this clan has reached the auspicious number of 21. Its constant… pic.twitter.com/req5tfrlvk
– Akhilesh Yadav (@YADAVAKHILesh) 21 April, 2025
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