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Vote opens to name three lion cubs at Port Lympne, near Hythe

Animal fans are invited to help choose the names of three adorable lion cubs born at a Kent animal park.

It comes as new images of the cute trio have been released by Port Lympne, near Hythe, showing just how much they have grown in the last couple of months.

The trio are growing up fast. All pictures: The Aspinall Foundation
The trio are growing up fast. All pictures: The Aspinall Foundation

Born in May to first time parents Adras, a barbary lion, and Oudrika, the cubs made their first appearance to the public at just eight days old and now regularly entertain visitors with their playful nature.

And the little lions - one boy and two girls - were an extra special addition to the park, as they are the first cubs to be born there in 10 years.

They are now in need of names - with those at the animal reserve calling on the public to help.

Richard Barnes, animal manager, said: "All our visitors, supporters and guests love seeing the cubs and the cute trio have sparked so much interest, that we've decided to appeal to the cub fans to help us name them.

One of the female cubs
One of the female cubs

"We've picked a selection of names and the ones with the most votes will be chosen."

Suggested names for the boy cub include Kahri, Molopo, Mwana and Mzuri.

And options for the two female cubs are Binti, Mpenzi, Bustani, Msichana, Thabisa, Aiada, Kulinda, Malkia and Unika.

Those wishing to vote can do so online, or at the reserve's Gatehouse when they visit, at a cost of £1.

The male lion cub at Port Lympne
The male lion cub at Port Lympne
The second female cub
The second female cub

Each donation will go towards the continued welfare, care and enrichment of the Port Lympne lion pride, 20% of the funds will go directly to The Aspinall Foundation.

Jonathan Buckingham-Dudley, digital marketing manager said: "It's so easy to vote.

"Just visit our Cub Cam page on our website, click on the name you like, which will take you to our online shop, where you can vote as many times as you like for just £1 per go.

"If you would like to vote for more than one name, just tap 'continue shopping'.

One of the cubs pictured at eight days, with mum Oudrika
One of the cubs pictured at eight days, with mum Oudrika

"Or, come and see the cubs for yourself and at the end of your visit, pop into the Gatehouse to make your name selection."

The vote launched today and will close on Monday, September 30.

The chosen names will then be announced by Port Lympne’s the next day.

To vote for a cub name, or to watch the Cub Cam live feed, visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/cubcam

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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