The Addo Elephant National Park has welcomed the birth of two lion cubs as Ardlam, the younger of the two Addo lionesses, appeared to have given birth after a three months pregnancy.

Two lion cubs were spotted by rangers early july 2005, and despite the optimism amongst the Addo Staff it is too early to tell whether they will survive. Previous litters born at the National Park have not survived, probably due to infanticide by the male lions.

It is well-known that male lions will kill cubs that do not carry their own genes, this in order to bring the lioness back into oestrus, thus increasing their chance of mating with her and furthering their own genes. With four males roaming the park, the chances of infanticide are high.

Besides the lion cubs, two spotted hyena cubs have been born at the park.

(source: Addo Elephant National Park)