Safari park's new girls take a bow

The white lion Cubs, which weigh 14 kgs each, were born at the safari park in Bewdley in July but have only just been introduced their adoring fans.

The cubs have been named Portia, Phoebe and Pandora by staff at the tourist attraction.

And the 14-week-old snow-white cubs are thriving under the watchful eye of their mother Natasha.

Natasha is already mother to daughters Zara and Tara who were born two years ago.

Four other cubs were born to lioness Maryn in August 2007. They are among just 130 white lions left in the world today and are usually only to be found in a 200 square mile area called Timbavati, in the Lowveld of Northern Province, South Africa's bush country.

West Midland Safari Park introduced the UK's first ever pride of four rare white lions in 2004.

They were the biggest single animal investment that the park has ever made and costing in the region of £250,000. West Midland Safari Park boosts one of the largest prides of breeding white lions in the country. Around 16 lions now inhabit the park in Worcestershire. Wildlife director Bob Lawrence said:"The cubs are thriving and becoming more girlie every day with their perfectly formed features, snow white fur and enchanting, mischievous gaze."

The lions are the latest animal attraction to wow the crowds at the safari park.

Away from the lions there was a jumbo success for the animal park.

Five, the 17-year-old African elephant picked up a paintbrush to entertain visitors.

And her paintings have proved so popular they were being sold as unique works of art at the Bewdley safari park's shop at £95 for each canvas.