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As CNA reports, the lion cub, named Simba after the iconic Disney animated film Lion King, "was conceived after keepers and veterinarians collected semen from his father, Mufasa, a geriatric lion, using the process of electro-ejaculation." Unfortunately, Mufasa did not survive for long after his cub was born, with the WRS reporting that "his deteriorating health was a key factor," but little Simba will thankfully keep his legacy alive.
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WRS states that African lions in the wild live for about 10-14 years. They explain that: "Mufasa lived to the ripe old age of 20 but did not sire any cubs in his lifetime because of his aggressive behavior, which did not bring about successful pairings with any female. Yet his genes would be of high value in contributing to the genetic diversity and sustainability of African lion populations in zoological institutions." They reminded everyone that African lions are considered "vulnerable" under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN), so every single addition to the lion family is one that should be cherished and celebrated.
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The cub was doing well during the first month, "requiring supplementary nutrition via bottle feeding after keepers found that he had difficulty suckling" and keeping things uneventful, but the keepers noticed that the mom might be suffering from inflammation of her mammary glands. The WRS said that they intervened only after careful deliberation.
"It was a delicate decision because animals can reject their young following temporary separation," explained the head keeper of carnivores at the Singapore Zoo, Kughan Krishnan. "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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Simba is now three months old, and he is doing wonderfully! "Simba is growing up to be a healthy and inquisitive little lion," WRS said.
"He has started to enjoy small amounts of raw meat together with his milk and spends most of his day playing with enrichment devices prepared by his keepers to nurture his development. His current favourite is a rattan ball which he likes to tussle with," said the WRS. "As his features start to develop, it is evident that Mufasa lives in him as they share the same beautiful eyes."
CNA added: "Simba and Kayla are currently housed in an off-exhibit area at the zoo, a measure which will allow the lions to bond privately, and the cub will gradually be introduced to the rest of his family, which includes a half-sister and an aunt."
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We wish them luck and a wonderful life together. And for everyone involved in the procedure, we say thank you, and we hope that there are going to be many more medical achievement worthy of celebration in the field of animal preservation.
For more adorable cub stories, read about these 2 awwdorable polar bear cubs who were abandoned by their mother getting pampered by their 4 adoptive mommas.
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People expressed their excitement as well!
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