2 lion cubs born at Etawah Lion Safari

Etawah (UP), Dec 13 : There is cheer at the Etawah Lion Safari after a lioness named Jessica delivered two cubs, minutes after midnight on Saturday.
The lioness and her litter are being kept under vigil and the cubs’ gender is yet to be ascertained.
Safari deputy director, Suresh Chandra Rajput said that the first 72 hours are crucial.
Earlier, Jessica gave birth to six cubs, Sultan, Shimba, Bahubali, Bharat, Sona and Roopa. She is the only lioness from Gir National Park, whose cubs have survived, raising hope of opening of the lion safari as it nears the cub count of 10, as per Central Zoo Authority norms.
The cub count in the safari has now gone up to eight.
Jessica, who was brought from Gir in December 2015, was mated with Manan three months back and was expected to deliver in December second week, said wildlife officials.