Three ‘rejected’ white lion cubs become star attractions

Cubs shifted to cages at Lahore Zoo after being separated from mother who refused to feed them

LAHORE: Adding to the list of attractions at Lahore Zoo, three rambunctious white lion cubs can now be spotted capturing the hearts and the attention of all who visit the facility.

Reportedly, a white lioness at the zoo, called Dany, gave birth to three cubs a few days ago. However, the mother did not accept the cubs and refused to feed them.

Therefore, the cubs were separated from the mother and shifted to cages where visitors can see them in all their glory. Sources at the zoo said that the cubs are being given a substitute for their mother’s milk and are all healthy.

Karachi Zoo prepares to welcome new guests

Lahore Zoo Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Rizwan Khan said that such behaviour is normal for big cats. He explained that big cats, which are first-time mothers, typically do not accept their offspring. “While the exact reason behind their actions cannot be ascertained, it is believed that the mother does so as she perceives the cubs to be in danger,” he said.

In such circumstances, she will eat the cub herself, he added. The veterinary officer revealed that many cubs, which were not accepted by their mothers, have been raised at the zoo. “We keep an eye out for whether the mother is feeding the cub or not,” he said. If she is not, we separate the two as waiting might result in the cub’s death, he said.

Several animals have been successfully raised in this way. The responsibility of raising the three cubs has been given to Dr Warda, who has done this before with other animals.

Karachi Zoo’s 150-year-old tree continues to mesmerise visitors

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Warda said that she has a special affinity for such animals. She maintained that looking after the cubs can be tedious as their diet, health and other aspects have to be constantly monitored.

However, it is ultimately rewarding. She added that when she is on duty, she spends the majority of her time with her ‘adopted children’. “Even when I go home, they are all I think about,” she said.

She maintained that the three lion cubs are now out of danger and have been shifted to the cage. “Soon, we will start them on a diet of meat and solid food mixed with milk,” she said.

According to veterinary experts, big cats are known to abandon their offspring if they sense that the cub is weak and unlikely to survive. As a result, the mother rejects the cub, refuses to feed it and does not allow it to come near. Sometimes, lionesses eat the frail cub.

Apart from big cats, there are many other animals that can refuse to accept their offspring. Several deer at Lahore Zoo and Lahore Safari Zoo have been raised by humans. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2019.