Comments on: More Lion Camp News!

by: Margaret

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 02:34:20 +0000

Thanks, Marcia. I am sorry I had not seen these postings before I asked all my questions about Etosha and getting pregnant again. It is sad that Koza was lost, but hopefully she will have another litter next year and she and M’Bari can begin growing their pride as Izu has been growing his. I am happy they have each other to keep company and grow “old” together.

by: CALVIN DOWLING

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 13:43:03 +0000

WILL THERE EVER BE A CAM THAT SHOWS THE CUB OR HIS PARENTS?

by: Carole

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 05:25:34 +0000

Thank you, Marcia, for the most informative update and for the great news concerning the wellbeing of both Etosha and her cub. We will be making a trip to the WAP within a few days to see both as well as the five other lions in Lion Camp. They are wonderful animals.

by: Bernice

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 01:29:59 +0000

Thanks for the information Marcia! I really appreciate the updates on Etosha and family. It’s sweet to see how much M’bari and Etosha enjoy each other’s company. Though it’s sad to us that the little cub won’t get to meet mom and dad…I guess we must remember that they don’t see it the way we do. In reality, they won’t know they’re “mom and baby”! It’s ok though - the little one has all you moms and dads at the Zoo (and us “Web moms/dads”!)…he’ll be more than well loved and cared for. And mommy Etosha will have the same too!

by: Marcia Redding

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 22:48:08 +0000

Pamela, thanks for your comments. Unlike the situation with the cheetahs, where they remain with their companion dogs for life, in this case the dog would be with the lion cub only as long as it remains safe for him. By this time we will have made arrangements for the cub to be introduced to another lion or lions. That said, I would not be in the least surprised if the companions will be able to remain together for quite a long time. Play behavior, in lions and in dogs, helps the young ones learn to coexist with others in the pride/pack. As lions are social, just as dogs are, I think they may quickly develop a sibling relationship, which will help both animals to moderate their behavior. The situation will be closely monitored, with the well being of both animals the primary concern. Of course, if we do go this route, we will have to choose the canine companion carefully - no chihuahuas need apply!

by: Pamela G

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 19:51:10 +0000

As usual, Marcia, you have given us fascinating information. I am very curious as to how you decide whether a companion dog will work for a large predator, and how you determine what kind of dog (age, breed, gender, etc.) will be the most compatible. I know that gorillas have “adopted” kittens, and that elephants and horses are famous for forming deep attachments to companion animals, but it seems to me that a very large and dominant animal like a male lion might eventually develop issues with a pack animal like a dog, who also has a natural tendency to strive for dominance. I’m sure it works when they are young, but a playful slap or bite from a half-grown lion - or a loss of temper during a rough play session - could be dangerous to the dog. Do the big cats have to be taught to pull their punches? Or do they learn to do that as they grow up with their puppy? Or are their times together more supervised as they grow older? I know the SDZ staff would never endanger any animal….I’m just curious as to how you begin and manage such a relationship.

by: Jeannie

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 15:30:05 +0000

Thanks Marcia for the wonderful updates. It’s just sad that the little one will never know his mommy - and vice versa. If a puppy is the answer to the little one’s playmate issue, please, please, please, provide us with pictures (and lots of them). How cute will that be?!?! I LOVE watching the panda cam (in fact, I’m addicted), but I really wish you guys had a cam for the lions too. Well, give the little one a kiss for me and thanks again for the updates.

by: Stacy in Atlanta

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 13:10:38 +0000

WooHOo! Thanks Marcia, you’ve made my day! I fell in love with the lions in Kenya, where I went on Safari in 1997. I now safari via the Zoo/Wild Animal Park. I did have the opportunity to visit your Wild Animal Park a few years ago, and was very impressed at how it felt very much like the plains in Africa. I’m going to have to plan a trip to take the balloon ride through the park. Until then, thank you for sharing your beautiful animals with us!

Keep up the great work!