Comments on: Lion Camp Update

By: Carole

Carole — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 00:41:58 +0000

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.

By: Marcia Redding

Marcia Redding — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 23:05:41 +0000

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!

By: Deborah

Deborah — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 14:52:11 +0000

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.

By: Judy J

Judy J — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 14:47:11 +0000

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!

By: Marcia Redding

Marcia Redding — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 23:47:47 +0000

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!

By: Diana

Diana — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 23:09:32 +0000

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.

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 18:30:14 +0000

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

By: Debra

Debra — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 05:17:54 +0000

Wow! WHERE oh WHERE is the link to the lion’s den videocam? We hope to see Etosha! Thanks!

By: Pamela G

Pamela G — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 02:14:08 +0000

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.

By: Moira

Moira — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 23:20:26 +0000

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!