Kentish Express Ashford & District
Play area appeal for park lion cubs
A fundraising appeal has been launched to build a new play park for Port Lympne’s lion cubs.
The cute trio, who were born in May to first time parents Adras and Oudrika, were recently named as Binti, Kulinda and Khari, which mean daughter, protect and kingly respectively.
A fan of the wildlife reserve, Sally Waterman, has now set up an appeal to provide them with a new play frame.
She said: “We have set up a fundraiser to build the pride a shelter and play frame to add more enrichment to their enclosure. Despite having a nice heated bedroom, the pride are often found enjoying the outdoors despite the bad weather.
“We hope this new shelter and playframe will give the pride more options to spend their time indoors or outdoors and make the most of their wonderful enclosure.”
The campaign has already raised £752 of its £1,000 target.
Bosses at Port Lympne have thanked Sally for her support.
Jonathan Buckingham-Dudley, digital marketing manager, said: “The cubs already have a shelter - which typically they never use, instead they prefer to sleep out in the open under the windows of our Lion Lodges, or under a tree.
“However, we’re sure that they will love their additional play frame and we wish Sally the best of luck in raising the funds for us to create this for them.”
The cubs were recently treated to a day playing with pumpkins as part of their daily enrichment programme.
With meaty treats hidden inside, the cubs tackled the orange orbs, before trotting around their habitat with the tattered pumpkin remains in their mouths.
Simon Jeffery, animal director said: “Enrichment is a vital element in our daily programmes with our animals - it helps keep them in tip top condition and promotes activity, health and stimulates interest.
“The cubs have never seen pumpkins before so we knew it would be a real thrill for them.”
Those wishing to see the cubs can watch them on Cub Cam, a live feed which captures the lion family’s antics 24 hours a day.
To support Sally’s fundraiser, visit bit.ly/2ptqSPo or to watch the live feed visit www.aspinallfoundation.org