By Aaron Bunch

New lion cub Nyra was in a playful mood on Friday at the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra.

With mum Nairibi and dad Mlinzi, Nyra lazed in the winter sun and snuggled with her parents as the feline family made their public debut.

“She is absolutely the cutest little thing,” said Jamala Wildlife Lodge and The National Zoo and Aquarium general manager and director Amanda Mead.

“She’s full of mischief, giving her mum and dad a hard time, but they are settling into their enclosure, bonding as a family.”

Nyra is the first cub bred at the zoo in more than 20 years. Her name means unity in Swahili.

“This breeding pair has been with us for a little while now, so we’ve been anxiously waiting the arrival of a little lion cub, and she’s adorable,” Ms Mead said.

“She’s putting on weight beautifully. She’s growing day by day.”

Nyra was born on April 26. Her father Mlinzi has been slowly introduced to her.

“Dad’s a first-time father, but he’s taken to it like a duck to water. He’s really, really sort of coming into his own,” Ms Mead said.

“The keepers do tell me he’s a bit of a grump, but they’re really seeing a softer side to him, which is lovely.”

Experienced mother Nairibi is tough but loving and makes sure her cub is well-behaved.

“I have seen her give Nyra a bit of a smack once, because Nyra does like to chew on their ears,” Ms Mead said.

“But she’s a doting mum and if dad gets too rough, mum’s right there.

“And if Nyra does a bit of exploring around the yard and gets a little lost, she’s straight back by mum’s side.”