Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad Welcomes Over 50 Newborns in Recent Months

The Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad has recorded a major birth boom with more than 50 newborn animals, including six lion cubs, arriving over recent months. Zoo officials reported the surge on June 25, 2026, highlighting the success of the facility's conservation breeding programmes which have significantly boosted the resident wildlife populations.

Among the most notable new arrivals are six lion cubs, consisting of three African lions and three Asiatic lions. This represents one of the highest numbers of lion cub births recorded at the zoo in recent years.

According to zoo officials, the African lion cubs are currently one month old, while the Asiatic lion cubs are approximately two months old. The veterinary team is closely monitoring the cubs, who are reported to be healthy and active. These births will increase the zoo's lion population, which previously stood at 17, comprising five African and 12 Asiatic lions.

To ensure genetic diversity, the zoo has managed its lion breeding through animal exchange programmes with other zoos. This strategy was implemented to address genetic issues, such as hind leg problems during winter, which had previously arisen from in-breeding.

In addition to the lion cubs, the zoo recently welcomed two Bengal tiger cubs. This brings the total number of Bengal tigers at the facility to 10, alongside 10 resident white tigers.

The birth boom also spans several other species. Recent arrivals include nine mouse deer fawns, five blackbuck fawns, four ostrich chicks, three jackal pups, two hog deer fawns, and two golden pheasant chicks. The zoo also welcomed one chousingha (four-horned antelope) fawn and one Sambar deer fawn.

Dr. Sunil S Hiremath, Director of Telangana Zoo Parks, stated that the conservation and breeding programmes are reaping positive results. He noted that the zoo has been successfully breeding mouse deer for over two decades and continues to publish its research work in reputed journals.

With these new additions, the Nehru Zoological Park's total inventory stands at 2,178 animals. This collection includes 498 mammals, 1,352 birds, 320 reptiles, and eight amphibians.