Liontrust are proud sponsors of the global conservation charity ZSL and their efforts to protect the Asiatic lion from extinction, a partnership that stretches back over a decade.
London Zoo is home to a pride of Asiatic lions, one of the world’s most endangered big cat species. These iconic big cats which once roamed across Asia – from Turkey to Eastern India – are now found only in the Gir Forest in Gujarat, India. With fewer than 1000 remaining in the wild, their reliance on this single habitat makes them especially vulnerable to threats such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks. Thanks to conservation efforts, Asiatic lions have been bought back from the brink of extinction and their numbers have risen slightly in the last decade, but their future is still precarious.
The Gujarat State and ZSL’s efforts, supported by Liontrust since 2012, have worked to grow the Asiatic lion population to 891 in 2025, a 32.2% increase in the last five years. Through its science and conservation efforts in the field, ZSL at London Zoo is working to ensure a future for Asiatic lions. Liontrust’s partnership with London Zoo and ZSL supports its mission to educate millions of people about wildlife and conservation.
Asiatic Lions thrive with ZSL and Liontrust at London Zoo
In April 2024, London Zoo’s Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya welcomed three cubs, a significant milestone for the conservation breeding programme. These cubs are not only a huge boost to the programme, which ensures a healthy population of lions are cared for in zoos to provide a vital safety net for the vulnerable wild population, but they will also inspire millions of people to care and take action for wildlife.
Asiatic lion Arya with her cubs Mali, Syanii, and Shanti
Liontrust and London Zoo asked primary school pupils from around the UK to nominate names for the three cubs. From the more than 650 names nominated by pupils, Liontrust and the lion keepers chose a shortlist of three names for each cub. Listeners to Times Radio and readers of The Times then voted on their favourite three names – Syanii, Mali and Shanti.
Asiatic lion Arya playing with an enrichment ball ahead of the Women's World Cup
At ZSL London Zoo, a flagship exhibit named 'Land of the Lions' opened in 2016 as an immersive and engaging hub for ZSL’s Asiatic lion conservation and education efforts. This area is sponsored by Liontrust. Transporting visitors from the heart of London to India’s vibrant Sasan Gir, people can get closer than ever before to the lions, while embarking on an adventure through the Indian-inspired experience. From exploring an Indian barber shop in the replica Sasan Gir high-street to a train-station, the exhibit truly gives visitors a sense of just how close lions and people live in India.
To find out more about the Land of the Lions, please click here.