As of: February 18, 2024, 4:13 p.m
By: Johanna Werning
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The Cologne Zoo publishes new photos of the newborn lion cubs.
The zoo also provides an update on how the offspring are doing.
Cologne – Four small lion cubs were born at the Cologne Zoo at the end of January.
However, just a few days after birth, one of the lion cubs died.
Now the Cologne zoo is giving an update on how the other three cubs and lion mom Gina are doing.
The zoo also publishes new photos of the lion cubs.
Cologne Zoo gives an update on the lion cubs: “They take in milk well and gain weight”
“The three Asiatic lion cubs born at the end of January are doing well.
They absorb milk well and gain weight.
“But it will still be a few weeks before they leave the cave,” the zoo says.
The zoo is also publishing new pictures of the rare offspring - because visitors to the zoo cannot yet see the lion cubs.
Lion cubs born in Cologne Zoo – but no one is allowed to visit them yet
The reason for this: For good development, the young animals “continue to need a lot of rest,” the zoo recently explained.
That's why mother Gina and her offspring are largely separated from the visitors, the other animals and even the animal keepers.
Since birth, Gina and the three lion cubs have spent day and night in the specially built whelping boxes.
There are a total of five boxes; Gina can decide which box she uses for herself and her offspring.
The zookeepers completely closed two litter boxes with boards, creating a cave.
One of them is thickly strewn with straw, the other with wood chips.
A third litter box is strewn with straw but not covered with boards.
“Gina” has free choice between all 5 boxes at all times, explains the zoo.
“But she decided on a box when she was born and dug up the straw and threw it out of the box.”
The lion cubs still don't have to freeze.
“All boxes have underfloor heating.
That means the young animals are lying warm,” explains the Cologne Zoo (district: Cologne-Nippes).
“Since Gina always has the opportunity to carry the little ones into the box with lots of straw, but doesn’t do this, the zookeepers won’t make any changes to the box in which she obviously feels comfortable.”
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Asiatic lions
► Scientific name: Panthera leo persica
► Conservation status: Endangered (Stable)
► Species: Lion (Panthera leo)
► Suborder: Cats (Feliformia)
That's why the Cologne Zoo was recently closed
It will be several weeks – perhaps even months – before the Cologne Zoo officially presents the lion cubs.
“The exact date has not yet been set and depends on further developments.
Lion cubs need a lot of rest in the early days,” says the zoo.
The Cologne Zoo was recently closed to visitors anyway.
Because the bird flu broke out in the zoo.
The Cologne Zoo was only able to reopen to visitors on Saturday.
“There was and is no danger to people.
We are looking forward to being able to be there for our guests again as usual from Saturday,” said zoo directors Prof. Theo B. Pagel and Christopher Landsberg.
(jw)