Challenging Delivery for Bornean Orangutan Mom
New Year, New Baby at Bioparc Valencia

The ‘Three Little Kings’ of Zoo Basel are Growing Up

1_01_loewen_fuetterung_mit_den_jungtiere_ZOB1155

The “Three Little Kings” at Zoo Basel are growing up! At almost eight-months-old, the boys are nearly tall as Dad, and their youthful spots (or rosettes) are beginning to fade.

ZooBorns introduced the family to readers this past summer, and you can see pics of their younger days, in that article: “Three New Boys for Zoo Basel’s Lion Pride

2_12493948_968955806475493_2036778660571283015_o

3_12401876_968955876475486_1450790028389670647_o

4_11872147_968955843142156_7957932688121563886_oPhoto Credits: Zoo Basel

The pride of African Lions, at Zoo Basel, increased by three this past summer. On May 28, Okoa gave birth to two male cubs, and on June 15, Uma delivered another male cub. The two lionesses’ gave birth to their young in the same area and are raising them together. Mbali is father to all three boys and has proven a playful participant in their upbringing.

African Lions are currently classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. There has been an estimated population decline of 30-50%, in the last 20 years. Noted causes for the decline include disease and human interference. Habitat loss and conflicts with humans are considered the most significant threats to the species. The remaining populations are often geographically isolated from one another, which can lead to inbreeding, and consequently, reduced genetic diversity.

Zoo Basel supports the Big Life Foundation, which works in the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem in Kenya to protect the Lions. The Zoo is also a participant in the EAZA Endangered Species Breeding Programme for African Lions.

More pics below the fold!

5_12486041_968955879808819_1885384056890640036_o

6_10644600_968955846475489_4656073167070612409_o

7_12466233_968955849808822_3709355877445208112_o

8_12491813_968955803142160_6476335791297841513_o

9_12440558_968955809808826_6235776081703451074_o

Comments