Lion Cubs Explore the Chute
Posted at 3:01 pm June 28, 2006 by Marcia ReddingI know many of you are anxious for news of Bakari and Abena, Oshana’s cubs at the Wild Animal Park, and several of you have posted questions (see Marcia’s previous blog, Lion Cubs Named.) I will do my best to fill everyone in! First of all, I am pleased to report that the lion babies are progressing beautifully. They are much more mobile, have begun to interact with their surroundings and each other, and become more coordinated every day. In the last week or so the cubs have been showing interest in the enrichment items we provide: climbing in and out of cardboard boxes and playing with dried palm fronds (these make an intriguing sound when pounced on!). Oshana’s tail has also become an attractive toy. They have been showing some interest in Oshana’s meals, as well. It shouldn’t be long before they will be ready for a little solid food.
Today was a milestone in their lives: they were given access to the release chute for the first time. We have developed a plan that will enable them to be released into the big Lion Camp exhibit with Oshana, and this is the first step. Oshana was happy to have access to the chute. There are big windows on that side of the house, and she has always liked to hang out there. However, she soon realized that she couldn’t see the cubs from the chute and proceeded to carry both of them to the bedroom threshold where she could keep an eye on them. With the babies under her watchful eye, she then proceeded to relax and enjoy her new environment. Both cubs soon made their way into the chute as well and thoroughly explored the new space before settling down to nurse and nap.
Jennifer asked about our plans to introduce the cubs to the exhibit. The first step has been taken with the chute access. We also have to be certain the cubs are coordinated enough to be able to avoid the edge of the moat. We are being very conservative in regards to the safety of the cubs, but with luck they will be able to go outside in the next few weeks. Jennifer also asked if the cubs will be staying at the Wild Animal Park as adults: most probably they will not stay with us, but will go to other zoological institutions as breeders. As their parents were born in Africa, their genes will be valuable contributions to any breeding program.
Carol H. asked if the cubs will be participating in our Adopt-An-Animal program. I am not sure about this one, but I will find out and let everyone know.
I know how anxious everyone is to see the newest members of the pride. I will do my best to keep the progress reports coming!
Marcia Redding is a senior mammal keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Scroll to the end to leave a comment. Pinging is not allowed.
June 29th, 2006 at 5:16 am
Beautiful, beautiful babies! Can’t wait for more pics! Thank you, Marcia, for the update.
June 29th, 2006 at 9:18 am
Thanks for the updates, Marcia. I can’t wait to see them. I’m glad that Oshana is such a good mother and that you guys are doing your best to help her be a great mother and keep the cubs safe, even if you have an anxious public awaiting their debut. I almost selfishly wish she wasn’t a good mother, so we’d be able to see them at the animal care center, but not really, I’d much rather see them thriving with their mother. I more realistically wish the lion camp eagle eye was more like the panda cam for Su Lin.
June 29th, 2006 at 11:32 am
Thank you, Marcia, on keeping us posted and addressing our comments personally!! How exciting for Oshana and her cubs!! So does this mean if we go to the park that we “might” catch a glimpse of Bakari & Abena in a section off limits to the other lions at the Lion Camp Exhibit??!! I hope this is so, if not, then I know I’m going to have to make another trip soon. I’m going there next week, and nothing could be more exciting then seeing the cubs right now. I’m looking forward to my day trip more and more!!
Editor’s note: The lion cubs are still not visible to our Park visitors yet–sorry!
June 29th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
We cannot wait to see these beautiful babies. Hopefully, it will be very soon. Thanks for the descriptive update.
June 29th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Thank you, Marica, for the great update on Bakari and Abena. I can hardly wait to see them out one day soon; it will be so exciting to see them. I would like to know if you have been able to take any pictures of them for updates on how they have grown.
Even though it is hot, when they go out for the first time I will be there to see them. Will you let the public know ahead of time when they will be out so we can come out to see them?
Again, thank you for the update!!!!
Editor’s note: We will share photos of the two cuties as they become available.
June 29th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
Marcia, thank you for the update on the babies and how they are doing…sounds like mama has it under control! I am anxiously waiting for some pics.
June 30th, 2006 at 5:20 am
Since they can’t be on exhibit, isn’t there a way you could post pictures?
July 3rd, 2006 at 11:24 am
It is so exciting the cubs are making progress and becoming more comfortable in new areas! I know that the keepers will be very cautious when introducing the cubs to the rest of the pride, but I can’t help worrying a little. Thanks for all your hard work and I can’t wait to see some pictures!
July 11th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Thanks for keeping us updated. I heard that both cubs are males, not one of each. Abena is actually a boy and will be renamed. Do you have any info on this? Thanks!