The number of lions at the Bengal Safari Park near here is all set to increase soon, even before the introduction of the lion safari at the park.

A lioness that was brought from Tripura, along with a lion, is pregnant and is likely to deliver cubs in one month.

Sources in the park said they had noticed a month back that the lioness suddenly slowed down its movement in the enclosure. The staff were instructed to monitor the lioness and they confirmed last week that the animal was expecting.

The lion and the lioness were brought from the Sepahijala Zoological Park of Tripura in February under the animal exchange programme. The seven-year-old lion and the six-year-old lioness are currently in quarantine at the park.

“The lioness is pregnant. All necessary precautions have been and we are expecting the good news soon,” said Vijayakumar E, director of the park.

A five-member team is monitoring the pregnant lioness at the enclosure that is under CCTV surveillance.

“We have added iron, calcium and vitamins to the lioness’ diet. The animal is expected to deliver after 120 days of pregnancy and has completed around 90 days of pregnancy. Next week, a special medical team will be formed to look after the lioness’ health,” a source said.

Vets have said usually, lions deliver two to four cubs at a time. The litter size, in some cases, can vary from one to six cubs.

At the park, the authorities are working on the completion of the enclosure for the lion safari. It will be spread over 20 acres and will have a ramp, a night shelter and other facilities.

“There was a plan to start the safari in another couple of months. Now that the lioness is pregnant, we will have to give a second thought to it,” said an official.

Located on the fringes of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, the park is the only open-air zoological park in the region and is a popular tourist destination. It is spread over 297 hectares and has different animals, including 14 Bengal Tigers.

“The tiger safari is a major attraction here. Once the lion safari starts, it will draw more visitors here,” the official said.