Soon, cubs to be born in Etawah Lion Safari
The lion population at the Etawah Lion Safari is set to receive a boost, as two of the lionesses are expecting and the cubs are likely to be born within a month, according to veterinarians. These young cubs would not only be an added attraction but would also push up the number of remaining (523) Asiatic lions. After the birth of the cubs, the first phase of lion breeding centre would be completed successfully.
A team of four doctors from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly confirmed the successful mating of lions in April. According to the divisional forest officer (DFO) Chambal, Anil Kumar Patel, “Only two out of three lionesses have been able to conceive successfully, but it is great news for us as it fulfils the aim of the breeding centre.” The safari provides health care, food and den facility for the lions. So far three pairs of healthy lions are living in the safari. DFO Patel told HT, , “Currently, the breeding centre is the very first stage. It was built keeping in mind all the basic needs of the lions, so that in future the overall number of Asiatic lions could increase. Opening as a safari is our second aim.”
Dr RK Singh from Kanpur Zoo, who is chief veterinarian of Etawah Lion Safari, also confirmed the successful mating and calculated that after mating cubs were generally born within 115 days. “Three pairs of Asiatic lions are living in perfectly healthy condition in the safari. For the pregnant lionesses, we have made a special diet plan, which includes frequent food portions.” “In general, extra minerals are being given to the lions, both male and female, for perfect heath. We are also trying to maintain the temperature of the enclosure with coolers and grass covers on the ground so lions can adapt to the environment easily,” added Dr Singh.