Lion cubs explore zoo pumpkin patch

Lions in a zoo have been filmed playing with carved pumpkins in their enclosure.

Seven North African lion cubs got their paws covered as they toyed with the patch at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.

Hayley Jakeman, animal operations manager at the zoo, said: "We're making sure the animals aren't missing out on any of the Halloween fun this October.

"Introducing novel items to their habitat, or finding clever ways to conceal their usual breakfast is actually a great way of encouraging their curiosity, helping reinforce social bonds, and making sure they keep fit by hunting out their food."

The zoo welcomed four newborn lion cubs in March 2025, which boosted the size of its pride to 10.

Whipsnade Zoo said the four were vitally important for protecting the lineage of their "sadly threatened" sub-species which was only officially recognised in 2017.

Three quarters of African lion populations are declining, which the World Wildlife Fund blames on habitat loss, external, human-wildlife conflict and poaching.

There are between 23,000 and 39,000 lions left in the wild, according to estimates from the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Whipsnade Zoo said every visit supported the global conservation work of Zoological Society of London.

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