Four lion cubs have been born at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, just months after two other babies died.

The new arrivals were born on June 14, although the animal park near Hythe has only announced their birth today.

They were born to mum Oudrika and dad Adras, and is their second litter to be born this year.

Staff say they have been monitoring the boisterous newborns closely in their den as they gain in strength ready for their debut outside.

Port Lympne’s animal director, Simon Jeffery, said: "We are thrilled with these new arrivals.

"All the cubs are doing well, looking strong, and are venturing out into the enclosure.

"Their initial explorations of their new space will be a captivating sight for our visitors.”

They are currently located in an enclosure adjacent to the reserve’s Lion Lodge and Pinewood cabins.

The birth of the three new cubs follows the death of two other baby lions earlier this year at the wildlife park.

Thousands of people watched on a live stream as the three siblings were born in January to lioness Oudrika.

Three days later, it was announced that one of the babies had died.

Then in February, Port Lympne said the second cub had ventured outside during the night and 'succumbed to the elements very quickly'.

However, some animal lovers, who say they were watching the live feed, took to social media to dispute the circumstances surrounding the lion's death.

They instead claim that the cub was suffocated as five other lions huddled together to stay warm, before being eaten by the pride.

Port Lympne stood by its original statement when asked about the claims and said it would review any footage.

In April, it was revealed the third cub, named Azi, had been abandoned by its mother and was receiving specialist care. Staff say he is now thriving under the care of the dedicated team at Port Lympne’s sister site, Howletts Wild Animal Park.

The litter in January was the second to be born to Oudrika.

She also gave birth to three cubs in 2019 - named Kulinda, Khari and Binti - the first lions to be born at the animal park in 10 years.

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