A joyous arrival: Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park welcomes the birth of three lion cubs

Lioness Mansi and Lion Manas gave birth to three new lion cubs at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. PIC/SGNP

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), one of Mumbai's premier wildlife attractions, continues to play a vital role in wildlife conservation and public awareness.

SGNP is unique in being the only national park in India where citizens can observe and learn about all three of India's big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards, within close proximity to a metropolitan city.

Currently, SGNP is home to 13 tigers and five lions in captivity, while over 50 leopards roam freely within the park, giving it one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

SGNP celebrates birth of three lion cubs

Adding to this conservation success, SGNP celebrated the birth of three healthy lion cubs on the night of January 11. The cubs were born to Lioness Bharati and Lion Manas, who were brought to SGNP from Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh, Gujarat, as part of the exchange programme under the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.

The development follows another successful birth in the park last year, when Lioness Mansi and Lion Manas gave birth to a female lion cub on January 16. The new arrivals have further strengthened SGNP's role as a centre for conservation, education, and wildlife research, while continuing to inspire wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers across Mumbai and beyond.

Speaking about the joyous moment in the national park, Anita Patil (IFS), SNGP's director, said, "The birth of these lion cubs is a proud and encouraging moment for Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It reflects our continued commitment to scientific animal management, conservation breeding, and providing the highest standards of animal care. Such milestones strengthen our efforts to conserve endangered species while fostering awareness among citizens."

"Each successful birth at SGNP is the result of dedicated teamwork by our veterinary staff, animal keepers, and forest officials. These cubs symbolise hope for the future of wildlife conservation and highlight the importance of well-planned inter-zoo cooperation," added Kiran Patil, deputy director, SGNP.