Three curious baby lion cubs have been unveiled and given the all-clear to meet the rest of the pride at Dubbo Zoo after passing essential health checks.
The trio, who are all females and yet to be named, have been under close supervision since their birth last month, spending quality time with mum.
"Our cubs have just had their first vaccinations and microchips, as well as a veterinary check and a weigh-in," keeper Megan Lewis said.
"This is all really important to make sure they're tracking along really well with their development."
The youngsters will get to meet the rest of their family soon but the team at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are taking it one step at a time, keeping the cubs separated by a mesh wall for now.
The pride can see, smell and hear each other through the screen, but the 'in-lion' introductions will happen slowly for a safe introduction.
"Once they meet each other, and do some bonding in our back-of-house area, then we'll be putting them all out into our Lion Pride Lands habitat together as a lovely family of eight," Ms Lewis said.
All three cubs are increasingly active and will soon meet older siblings Amali and Imani who were welcomed by parents Marion and Lwazi in April last year.
"The cubs are tracking really well; their confidence is pretty crazy and it's just incredible to see how quickly they're gaining more independence," Ms Lewis said.
"This means we can take the next big step of introducing the cubs to their older siblings and dad."
The Dubbo Zoo will announce further details on the naming of the three young lionesses and when they'll be seen on their social media.
African lions are classified as vulnerable in the wild, with populations decreasing due to human-animal conflict, depleted prey base and habitat loss.
Parents Marion and Lwazi introduced a new genetic line when they gave birth to their first litter in April 2022.
