THE PRIDE OF THE COLUMBUS ZOO JUST GOT BIGGER

Описание: Four African lion cubs were born Sunday evening, Aug. 16 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, just days after the pregnancy of the other lioness was announced. This is the first lion cub birth at the Zoo since September 2009.

The cubs were born to second-time parents Asali and Tomo. The birth was observed the day Asali’s sister, Kazi, was scheduled to be moved off-view into her own denning shelter, as she is expected to give birth to her first litter later this month. All three adult lions and the cubs are interacting well together in the Heart of Africa lion yard, which is currently closed to the public. Asali and the cubs are expected to move into a denning shelter in the near future.

The Zoo will announce viewing information when it becomes available.

“We were overjoyed last week to announce that Kazi is pregnant, and absolutely elated about the successful births of her sister, Asali,” said Tom Stalf, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “With lion populations showing steady decline in the wild, we are proud to be a part of the conservation efforts of these majestic animals.”

Although not completely unexpected (animal care staff had noticed physical changes in Asali), the litter comes as a happy surprise. Lion pregnancies are primarily determined by analyzing hormone levels in the lioness’ fecal matter, and keepers had been submitting Asali’s samples to an endocrinologist to determine if she was expecting. The results showed little evidence of the tell-tale progesterone hormone spikes of pregnant lionesses, but it is possible for a lion to be pregnant even with low progesterone levels. Just as human pregnancy tests can produce false-negative or false-positive results, so too can the lion fecal sample tests. Despite the abnormal readings, Asali and her cubs appear to be healthy.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recommended the pairings of Asali and Kazi with Tomo as part of its Species Survival Plan for African lions. The AZA, of which the Columbus Zoo is an accredited member, strives to maintain a sustainable population of lions in North America.
Once common in Africa, lion populations have plummeted by a staggering 42 percent over the past two decades and are currently listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List. One of the major threats to these wild populations is related to human population growth and agricultural expansion. Lions, which pose a threat to valuable livestock, are often indiscriminately killed as pre-emptive protection measures. Prey depletion, habitat loss, bushmeat trade and poorly regulated sport hunting have also led to lion population decline, according to the IUCN.

In 2014, the AZA reported that 339 African lions were residing in 98 institutions in North America. Of those animals, 247 are pedigreed (meaning ones with known ancestries). The Columbus Zoo lions represent two of only 61 pairs of pedigreed lions recommended for breeding by the SSP to maintain genetic diversity.

Asali’s previous litter included one male and two female cubs. Kitambi, the male lion, now lives at the Phoenix Zoo, Mekita resides at the North Carolina Zoo, and Adia is at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

–––

Home to more than 11,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.

–––

"Savannah (Sketch)" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...