Lion cubs take their place in the pride

Xander and Xavier are thriving in the Paradise Valley Springs lion pride. Photo / Supplied

The latest cubs born at Paradise Valley Springs have been accepted into the pride and are thriving, animal keeper Ashleigh Waugh says.

The two male cubs, Xander and Xavier, have pushed the pride number up to 10, which includes four males.

They are an unusual addition to the pride of African lions, Mrs Waugh said.

"In my time we have never had two boy lion cubs, you get what you are given. It's neat having four boys in the pride," she said.

Xander and Xavier were born in August 2013 and had been available for petting before they grew too large, she said.

"While they were being petted it was like daycare for the cubs, mum was able to go back to the pride and relax, and she knew the cubs would come back to her at night, and they knew they were going back to mum.

"The whole pride has accepted them, they run around, play and have cuddles. Now they are full-time in the pride and are thriving."

Lions usually had two or three cubs at a time, similar to puppies and kittens, Mrs Waugh said.

The cubs, who will reach maturity at 4 years old, join siblings Benji and Bella, who they already have a close bond with. "Mum Hana had two cubs several years ago, Benji and Bella, and they have a strong bond."

Wild lion prides have up to 30 lions with only two to three male lions. New males will make their own pride, Mrs Waugh said.

The extra number of boys will not cause friction within the pride, who were very family oriented, Mrs Waugh said.

"There is a hierarchy, but all the lions get along well together," she said.