By Dean Murray via SWNS
Adorable lion cubs have received their first health check at London Zoo.
Keepers were also finally able to confirm the sexes of the trio of 10-week-olds, the zoo’s newest big cats.â¯
The veterinary team and keepers carried out the medical exam in the cubs’ familiar dens, where they were most relaxed.
ZSL says: “The team formed an efficient production line to get all three checked, vaccinated, and to determine their sexes as quickly as possible.”
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The cubs were kept together while mother Arya was let into another of her dens, ensuring that the conservation zoo’s big cat keepers Kathryn Sanders, Amy McKillop, John Ho and Tara Humphrey could help with the hands-on health check.
ZSL says: “The keeper team helped round up the cubs: a job easier said than done, as the young lions have already developed very sharp claws and feisty personalities.”
Head vet Amanda Guthrie began by determining the sexes of the cubs, announcing that Ayra was the proud mother of two boys and a girl. She then gave each cub a quick check-up, which included administering vaccines, fitting microchips, and inspecting their tiny paws and ears to ensure they were healthy.â¯
Zookeeper Kathryn Sanders said: “Our three Asiatic lion cubs are doing incredibly well, and their first health check is a major milestone for them; I’m delighted to say that they are thriving.
“Asiatic lions are an endangered species and the wild population is estimated to be only 600 to 700 individuals. One of the greatest vulnerabilities of the wild population is that it’s isolated to a single habitat: the Gir Forest in Gujarat, India. The zoo population is a vital backup for this vulnerable wild population.”
