Lion Camp Update
Posted at 3:12 pm October 25, 2005 by Marcia ReddingYesterday the camera and monitor system was set up at Lion Camp so we can keep watch over Etosha as her pregnancy reaches it’s conclusion. Tomorrow is her first possible due date, but there can be up to 10 days variation in gestation periods, from 100 to 110 days. We will be making late checks (2 a.m!), so it is important to be able to check on her but not disturb her in the process. The camera system works well, even in low light. The monitor is in the office, so she won’t even know we are there. The system also records 24 hours a day, so we can review the times we weren’t around as well. The first time she saw the camera, there was a very ” up close and personal” recording of her nose and mouth as she got as close to the camera as possible to check it out!
Etosha has become very fond of the den we have prepared for her, filling it up with her favorite enrichment items: pieces of shredded cardboard box and feed bags, sturdy plastic balls, and anything else she can cram in. She also stashed her bone from yesterday in there.
M’bari and Etosha are separated now, but can visit through an introduction screen. They both seem to have accepted this change without any stress, and it is important for the safety of the cubs until we know how M’bari will react.
So, now it’s a waiting game! I will be sure to post any developments asap!
Marcia Redding is a senior mammal keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
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October 25th, 2005 at 3:20 pm
I hope we will get to see some of your video clips on the website! What a treat to see into the den. Are you hopeful she is pregnant, or are you certain? Is there a preegnancy test you can subject her urine to? Good luck, Etosha!
October 25th, 2005 at 6:14 pm
Ditto on the video clips! I’ve watched lots of domestic and a few wild animal births, but I’ve never seen lion cubs being born. All the best to Etosha and you surrogate mothers who will be there to watch and help her.
October 25th, 2005 at 9:17 pm
Wow! WHERE oh WHERE is the link to the lion’s den videocam? We hope to see Etosha! Thanks!
October 26th, 2005 at 10:30 am
Thanks Marcia for the updates – I just got caught up. Oh, I hope Etosha is expecting. Too bad there isn’t a cam to watch the little wonders – but hopefully down the road sometime. Please keep us posted!
Jeannie
October 26th, 2005 at 3:09 pm
My fingers and toes are crossed for a healthy and smooth delivery. I wish everyone the best. For us folks, it’s lots of fun, and it must be fun for you too, but it’s also an important time for lots of hard core observation, record keeping, and data collecting. The rewards must be plentiful for you as scientists, doctors, and animal lovers. Thanks for sharing the news.
October 26th, 2005 at 3:47 pm
Debra, thanks for asking about the webcam. There wasn’t time to set one up for this impending litter, but it is certainly possible in the future!
October 27th, 2005 at 6:47 am
Our prayers to Etosha and all of you for a safe and uneventful birth. Our thanks to you for your care, commitment and devotion. We so appreciate all of your information and personal comments. They bring us so much closer to being a part of all that you do and help us get to know your ” friends” as individuals. We take tremendous pride in our ” Pride” at the WAP! Thank you and blessings to you all!
October 27th, 2005 at 6:52 am
I just have a quick question….I always thought in the wild the male lion doesn’t have anything to do with the female when she is pregnant. She often goes out on her own to deliver the litter because sometimes the male will injure or possibly kill the cubs. Is this not true in a controlled environment like the zoo? Also, if you could just freeze a frame off the video camera that you have set up in her den and place it with your blogs after she delivers, so we can see the babies…that would be so great! Keep up the great work and I just LOVE these blogs. Thanks.
October 27th, 2005 at 3:05 pm
Thanks for your question, Deborah! In the wild, male lions are generally tolerant of their own cubs. However, if a male is defeated by a rival and usurped, the new dominant male will sometimes kill the cubs sired by the previous male. This ensures that the new male’s genes are expressed sooner. Needless to say we will be very careful introducing M’bari to his offspring. We have an introduction door made of woven mesh that we will use as a safety measure. M’bari will be able to visit, but still be separated. It also remains to be seen how tolerant Etosha will be of her mate once the litter is born. We’ll hope for the best!
October 27th, 2005 at 4:41 pm
How exciting! We were on safari in Southern Africa in September and saw lion cubs in the wild. It was wonderful. We are looking forward to seeing these beautiful babies.