Young hope for Asiatic Lions

There's cause for celebration at Chester Zoo after the birth of Tejas, a tiny Asiatic lion cub who provides a glimmer of hope for his species.

In the wild only 300-350 Asiatic lions are left and can only be found in India's Gir Forest where 17 lions have been killed in the last 5 months alone. Tejas will play a major part in a breeding programme that aims to ensure the survival of his species.

Curator of Higher Vertebrates at Chester Zoo, Mike Jordan explained "Asiatic Lions face some real threats in the wild and the fact that 17 lions alone have died in the last few months - eight of those from poaching - shows just how critical the situation is for the Asiatic Lion." The fact that Tejas is a male means that he will play an important part in breeding programmes.

After a three and a half month pregnancy, Tejas was one of two cubs born to mum Asha, the other male cub was not strong enough to survive. Tejas - who's name means sharpness in Indian - is being hand-reared on a diet of formulated cat milk every three hours by the Zoo's carnivore team.

Chester Zoo is home to more than 500 different species of birds and animals and provides a great day out for all the family. Book your tickets for the zoo and an overnight stay in a nearby hotel with Chester Zoo Holidays today.