Lion population in Lahore's Safari Park on the rise

Total number of lions and tigers in the zoo reaches 40

LAHORE:

The population of lions in Lahore's Safari Park Park has increased rapidly over the last two months as six more cubs have been born. 

Safari Park Deputy Director Ghulam Rasool said that the newborn cubs are healthy and their food and health are being taken care of by the zoo's caretakers.

According to the Safari Park administration, a lion or a tiger is fed at least seven to ten kg of meat per day, for 22 days a month. The lions are kept hungry for two days a week.

The cost of feeding a lion comes to around 0.1 million a month.

The total number of lions and tigers in the zoo has reached 40. Out of these 31 are lions, including 8 males and 17 females, while six are cubs. The park now houses the largest number of big cats in the country.

Read Humans wiped '70% of animal population' in last 50 years

Lions and Tigers are not native to Pakistan. However, a large number of lions, originating from Africa, are kept in various zoos and breeding centers in the country.

Last year, the Lahore Zoo decided to conduct DNA tests of tigers and lions at the zoo and Safari Park to get accurate information about their genetic relationships, race and family.

The DNA records of these animals were compiled for the first time in a government zoo in Pakistan. The task was undertaken with the help of experts from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

According to the experts, this initiative will help improve the health of the big cats as well as optimize their breeding.