Comments on: Lion Cubs are Growing Fast!

By: Margaret

Margaret — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:06:08 +0000

Have you noticed any reaction of Oshana, Mina, or Izu to the cubs after they have been with Nyack? I imagine that his scent gets on them when they wrestle. Perhaps the cubs are now old enough that their mothers are not grooming them as much, and may not be spending as much time with them so it is a non-issue.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:41:00 +0000

How are things at Lion Camp? Are the cubs still playing together?

Are Etosha, Mina and Oshana all " sisters?" I know Mina and Oshana are, but didn't realize that Etosha might also be related.

How is Nyack progressing?

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:41:06 +0000

Thank you for the update! I check this blog often to see how all the lions are doing, and am always thrilled when there is news. I saw the whole pride back in February, and can't wait to make another trip to the WAP to see little Nyack with his cousins. Thanks again!!!

By: Carole

Carole — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:12:48 +0000

I think we are missing updates on two cubs — only six are mentioned. But thank you for the update on these beautiful babies. What happens between 9 am and 11:30 am? Who is on exhibit?

Moderator's note: All 8 cubs were mentioned: Tamu and Laini in the same paragraph, Ingozi and Nyack in another paragraph. At this time, Nyack and 1 to 7 of the other cubs are on exhibit first thing in the morning.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:37:20 +0000

Sarabi must be huge?! She sounds like quite an assertive alpha female lion in the making. Is Ignozi at all health challenged? I remember sweet Mandisa, and miss her rambunctious self. Any time I hear that a cub tends to spend time alone, I wonder if something is not quite right. Or, is he just the " runt" of the litter and therefore is a bit smaller? Will his size impact his dominance as he grows into a majestic male lion? I just saw Luke at NZP on Saturday, and he has matured over the past 18 months into one extremely handsome lion with a gorgeous mane. The girls that are at NZP are just starting to become sexually mature, so they will appreciate his handsome mane as it continues to grow. It was funny watching the girls try to climb up on the wall separating them from the older female next door. Unfortunately for them, they were moved inside and Luke was outside, at the same time as the older female in the yard next door. That may change in the next few months as they mature.

I love to watch the videos of the WAP cubs and their various personalities and interactions. I agree with comments/question above about the difference in color of Nyack and Ignozi and siblings. Is Nyack different color because he has different parents, or because he has been struggling to live and gain weight?

Animal Care Staff responds (taken from comment #23 of previous lion blog): We don't know for certain why Nyack is so much lighter. We can tell you that in general his mother, Etosha, and " auntâ€ Mina are lighter in color compared to the other adults. Keepers also theorize that his coat is different because he is not constantly groomed by the adults. As the other cubs are groomed, their baby fur sheds off and new hair grows which might be why they are darker in color and not as fluffy as Nyack. When he was younger, keepers would brush him as a substitute for the mother's tongue.

By: Marie

Marie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:04:08 +0000

Thank you Kym, for the update. I'm amazed at such a discrepancy of sizes (weights) between the females especially. Ingozi at 42 pounds and Sarabi at 78!

Thanks for keeping us informed. Please keep it up

By: Emma Bradford

Emma Bradford — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:19:55 +0000

Thanks so much for keeping everybody informed of the growth rates of your lion cubs! I am very interested in body sizes of lions and therefore frequently visit your blog just to see the latest weight updates for the cubs! Can you tell me any size ranges you have recorded for any of your adult lions such as shoulder height or weight?

Animal Care Staff responds:
Adult male Izu: 452 pounds (205 kilograms)
Adult female Oshana: 275 pounds (125 kilograms)
Adult Mina: 286 pounds (129 kilograms)

Subadult male Zenda: 297 pounds (135 kilograms). His shoulder height is about 36 inches (91 centimeters); head and body length about 58 inches (147 centimeters)
Subadult male Kamau: 315 pounds (143 kilograms)

By: Grace

Grace — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:06:27 +0000

Thanks for the update on the lion cubs! I really enjoy reading all of SDZ's blog and it is especially heartwarming to know how the young ones are doing.

I am sure that the animal care staff have their hands full at this time as they train the cubs. Thank you for taking such good care of them!

By: lion lovers

lion lovers — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:22:52 +0000

Thank you for the update. You did not mention about Nyack's weight. Thank you I enjoy seeing all the lions.

Moderator's note: Nyack's weight is now 57 pounds (26 kilograms). We'll add this info to the blog!

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:37:13 +0000

I know there is a ton of hard work, occassional tears, and most likely sheer exhaustion at the end of your day — but boy am I jealous — I think you have the best job in the world! The big kitties are so cute, and seem to have such interesting personalities — it just must be a joy to get to work everyday and interact with them. And I bet they love you too — especially when there is a big, juicy bone involved. Thanks for everything you do to make our world a better, more interesting place for our furry friends.