A HUGE vacancy at Melbourne Zoo is about to be filled with the announcement that three young lions will soon be arriving from Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo’s three elderly lions died in a short space of time this summer, leaving its $5.6 million Lion Gorge big cat exhibit empty.

media_camera Cubs Kito and Kashka with their dad Johari. Picture: Supplied

Announcing the transfer this afternoon, Melbourne Zoo Director Kevin Tanner said the trio — Kashka, Kubwa, and Kito — born at Werribee Open Range Zoo in October 2015 would arrive at Melbourne Zoo later in the year.

media_camera Harare, Chaka and Zuri all died recently. Picture: Paul Loughnan

Mr Tanner said the old lions Harare, Chaka and Zuri were much missed, having been born at the zoo and spent their entire lives there.

Melbourne Zoo mourns death of last lion Melbourne Zoo mourns death of last lion

“We are fortunate that the Werribee Open Range Zoo trio are close to reaching an age when they would move away from their family group, as would happen in the wild,” he said.

Over the coming months the trio would spend time away from their family group and establish relationships with new keepers in preparation for the big move.

media_camera Kuba, one of the cubs joining Melbourne Zoo. Picture: Supplied

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They would also gain confidence moving in and out of transport crates.

While they remained at Werribee the adolescent lions would also get to know four young cubs recently born at the open range zoo.

Lion cubs' first check-up Lion cubs' first check-up

“Their move to Melbourne Zoo will be the first step for them within the regional breeding program for this vulnerable species, as they are likely to move on to other zoos over the next few years as breeding males with their own pride, or alternatively to form male coalitions.”

Heartwarming first days of our newborn cubs

Mr Tanner said Lion Gorge would be modified especially for the three newcomers with climbing structures and other features installed to cater for their youthful energy and more active and playful behaviours.

In the meantime Lion Gorge would be home to four African wild dogs already living nearby while a new exhibit was built for them.

“Once the wild dogs return to their expanded exhibit, new arrivals Kito, Kashka and Kubwa will move into Lion Gorge,’ Mr. Tanner said.

Their arrival comes after three lions died of complications associated with old age in cats.

media_camera Harare, 16, was the last Melbourne Zoo lion and died in January. Picture: Jay Town

Chaka and Zuri were put down late last year owing to age-related neurological problems while Harare, 16, was euthanased after suffering renal failure.

kathryn.powley@news.com.au

@kathrynpowley