Two-month-old female cubs Chitwa and Zuri were born at the end of July and will make their long-awaited public debut in the school holidays. 

They have spent their first months bonding with their mother, Snow, and will be introduced to the zoo’s pride of lions next week.

Zoo owner Sally Padey is pleased with Snow’s performance as protector and carer. 

“She is the best mum,” Ms Padey said.

“It reminds me of the special relationship mothers develop with their children from life’s beginning.” 

Snow has been at the zoo for 10 years and has mothered previous litters. 

Father Mac is an elder statesman of the pride and has been at the zoo for 15 years. 

Mrs Padey said the cubs were full of energy and ready to be introduced to the other lions. 

“They can then continue to grow and learn in all aspects of life in a pride environment,” Ms Padey said. 

There are no plans for the cubs to be moved to another zoo when they are older.