“Six years ago we received three Asiatic lions directly from Gujarat. They represented a great prospect for European breeding,” said Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo’s director. “Over 140 lions have been bred in Europe, but they are all the offspring of just twelve individuals. That’s why reproduction with our genetically valuable lions would be highly desirable, but, unfortunately, our male, Jamvan, has not done so well in this respect.”

Basil was born in Helsinki. However, he spent most of his life in Budapest, where he fathered several cubs from various females. According to his keepers, he is quick to learn and behaves in a dominant manner towards lionesses. This year the coordinator of the European breeding program suggested he was a suitable male for breeding with Ginni from our breeding program.

"Mating is only possible with the onset of oestrus in the female, which we expect to be roughly around the middle of January next year. For now, the male and the females Ginni and Suchi meet in the indoor exhibit, where they can see and smell each other, so they can gradually get used to one another,” said Pavel Brandl, the mammal curator.

Basil should return to Budapest Zoo soon after his cubs are born. The Prague male, Jamvan, will be placed in the background facilities whilst he is here.