Mothering, Lion Style
Posted at 4:19 pm December 3, 2007 by Marcia ReddingLast week, I was able to spend the day working at Lion Camp at the Wild Animal Park and had a wonderful time watching all seven cubs as I worked. They are developing very quickly. Oshana’s four cubs are a few days older than Mina’s litter of three, but their younger half-siblings aren’t too far behind. They are now all walking pretty well, if still wobbly. They are also starting to play clumsily with the enrichment items we provide, as well as with each other. Very small logs seem to be favored items, light enough to roll around and climb on. One of Oshana’s brood blundered into a cardboard box, one of their mother’s favorite toys. He walked around for awhile wearing the box like a turtle’s shell, but eventually found his way out. Oshana watched, but was unconcerned.
Those of you who remember Oshana’s behavior with her last litter will remember that she is a bit controlling – she has definite ideas about the length of time her litter should spend outside the den (see Marcia’s blog from 2006, Oshana’s Cubs Debut at Lion Camp). Poor Oshana! Once again, she spent a long time picking up her offspring and placing them in the den, only to have the baby come back out as she retrieved the next one. Her last litter was two cubs – now she is dealing with four! You could see her relief when the whole family was finally back in the den – and staying put.
Mina seems to be the direct opposite of Oshana (see Marcia’s blog from 2006, Mina’s Cubs Debut at Lion Camp). Her cubs get to have numerous “field trips.” She will decide they need a change of scenery and will bring all three out one by one and place them on a pile of bedding hay in the adjacent room. When she decides they have been out long enough, back into the den they go. They tend to stay put once back in the den, unlike Oshana’s cubs.
We are starting to work on names for all the babies: with three males and four females, it may take a bit of time to choose appropriate names for the little ones. As soon as there is news, I will be sure to post!
Marcia Redding is a senior keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
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December 4th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Thanks for the update, Marcia. Sounds like it is an exciting time for all. Also guess that both mothers nap while the cubs nap since they are worn out already from bringing them in and out of the den. Won’t be long before those clumsy legs get stronger, and the independent streak in all 7 cubs cubs to the forefront and off they will go. Likely to be in 7 different directions based on past experience. What a discovery time that will be for the youngsters, and busy time for the moms. Izu’s help will definitely be needed and appreciated as 3 sets of eyes are better than 2.
December 5th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Wow, sounds like Oshana and Mina have there paws full!!! I can’t wait to watch all these little ones grow up. Thank you so much for the update Marcia, you have an amazing job. I look forward to hearing what you name them.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
When will the cubs be out on display for people to view? HOw exciting that they are doing so well..
December 5th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Thank you, Marcia, for the wonderful blog about the lion cubs. Wish I had seen the” turtle-cub.” I know you are very busy when you work, but I am glad that you make the effort to be our ” eyes.” You communicate your observations about the lionesses and their cubs with so much warmth and humor. How funny that the protective Oshana should have such independent cubs, while liberal Mina’s cubs tend to obey her directions. It should be fun coming up with names for the babies.
December 6th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
It would be great if the public could participate in the naming of the cubs (or at least one cub) like we do with the pandas.
December 7th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Thank you so much for the update. Cant wait to see the little ones !! Also, was wondering, what is the update
on the lion cubs older siblings ?? How are they adapting, and is they any news on them ?
December 15th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Hey Marcia,
At the WAP yesterday I heard a rumor that there is a third mama lion at the park. Is it true that Etosha and M’bari have a new cub and she’s actually able to mother this little one? Thanks.
December 19th, 2007 at 8:08 am
I got the following from John Ball Zoo today regarding the lion girls. I bet the girls have some shaggy coats from the change in temperature.
The girls are being housed in the animal hospital until their new holding area is totally completed! Since it’s too cold for them to be outside anyway, there’s no need to move them anywhere until that. I also understand that they want to introduce Docha, the male, to the holding area FIRST so that he has some territorial ” ownership†before the two girls are then introduced. Then, once they are all situated they’ll start what is called ” the howdy’sâ€â€¦. The male and the females will be able to see, smell and hear each other, but will not be able to get together. That will last as long as it takes and eventually we hope it’ll be one happy pride of three!!!
Moderator’s note: Thank you for sharing this information with us, Deb!
December 21st, 2007 at 8:58 pm
I visited the San Diego zoo many years ago with my three small children. They are now grown with not so small children of their own and I still remember the visit as one of the most exciting times in my life. I remember one particular incident that amazed me then, and still does to this day. I was standing by a fence when a streak of an animal zapped by and I was in shock. An employee explained to me it was a cheetah and they run exceptionally fast. I’m from Kansas and never even imagined I would see something at the San Diego Zoo that would remain with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for your web site. It brings back wonderful memories.