South Australian zoo tragedy after lioness loses five cubs
South Australia’s Monarto Safari Park staff are currently in mourning after the loss of five lion cubs to lioness Nia.
The open range zoo is the largest safari park outside Africa and released a statement on Facebook sharing the heartbreaking news.
“Friends, it's with great sadness that we let you know about the loss of five lion cubs who were stillborn to lioness Nia yesterday,” the safari park wrote. “Nia, the second pregnant African Lion in our pride, went into labour on Tuesday morning. Sadly, she gave birth to two stillborn cubs early yesterday morning. “Keepers kept an eye on Nia via a live cam in her den and could see that, after these first two cubs, her labour was not progressing fast enough. Nia's welfare during this time was our utmost priority so the decision was made to intervene around midday on Wednesday to ensure she didn't develop an infection or experience complications associated with prolonged labour.
Friends, it's with great sadness that we let you know about the loss of five lion cubs who were stillborn to lioness Nia...
Posted by Monarto Safari Park on Wednesday, March 4, 2020
“The vet team carried out a caesarian procedure but, despite the team's best efforts, the three cubs delivered by caesarian were unable to be revived. “Unfortunately, there was nothing more that could be done to save these cubs despite Nia showing all the instincts of being an excellent mum.
The park’s director, Peter Clark, said that staff were “deeply saddened”. “We're all deeply saddened these cubs didn’t make it. Every birth at Zoos SA is a step towards saving species from extinction and these cubs were no exception. “Keepers and the vet team will monitor Nia to make sure she recovers comfortably.”
Monarto just welcomed four healthy cubs born to another lioness Husani in February.
The park often sees the “circle of life play out”.
"Husani, one of our other lionesses, only gave birth to four healthy lion cubs just a few weeks ago," he said.
"At two-and-a-half weeks old, these cubs have their eyes open and are moving around quickly as well as sleeping lots too. It will still be another week or so until they can see properly.
"During this time the cubs stay close to Mum and she only leaves for short periods to feed and be with her sisters."
Two-week-old cuties!African Lion Husani's gorgeous cubs are almost two weeks old and growing fast! 🦁As you can see here, they're very good at yawning and rolling around and showing off their pink little bellies. 😍 And Husani is continuing to be an excellent parent, attending to her cubs' every need and making sure they're always clean, warm and fed. Keep your eyes peeled for more cub cuteness on our Facebook page soon!
Posted by Monarto Safari Park on Thursday, February 27, 2020
The tragedy surrounding the lion cubs comes almost a year after the zoo was forced to euthanise a two-day-old zebra foal as it sustained an injury that was “drastically affecting its quality of life”.