Lion Born through Assisted Reproduction at Singapore Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 28, 2021 9:45 pm

Simba the lion cub at the Singapore Zoo

Photo Credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

The Singapore Zoo has welcomed a lion cub born through assisted reproductive techniques. The father Mufasa had an aggressive temperament and did not reproduce successfully with any females with which he was paired.

With lions living to an average age of 10 and 14 years old and Mufasa being 20 years old it was decided that action needed to be taken to ensure his important bloodlines were not lost. This will assist with the genetic diversity in the captive lion population.

Singapore Zoo’s animal care team used artificial insemination which led to a pregnancy for Kayla, a proven breeder.

Simba the lion cub at the Singapore Zoo

Photo Credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

The resulting cub was called Simba and for the first month of life he developed under the watchful eye of his mother, Kayla. Unfortunately around a month old Simba was noted to be lethargic and was having trouble suckling. Observations suggested that Kayla was suffering from inflammation in her mammary glands.

Following deliberation it was decided that the cub should receive supplemental feeding but still be cared for by her mother.

“It was a delicate decision because animals can reject their young following temporary separation”, explains Kughan Krishnan, Head Keeper, Carnivores. “Thankfully, Kayla was accepting of the intervention which reflects the trust relationship built up over time between the lioness and her animal care team, that helped to achieve the positive outcome.”

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Three months on Simba has grown to be a healthy and inquisitive lion cub. Recently he has started tasting raw meat with his milk and spends his time playing with enrichment devices.

Currently his favorite toy is a rattan ball that he likes to tussle with.

Simba and Kayla are currently house off display where they can bond before he will be introduced to the rest of his family – half-sister Shani and aunt Kiara.