The African Lion cub recently born at Werribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) has died from kidney issues after its mother unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk.
At three weeks old, the cub was showing signs of lethargy, weakness and poor weight gain which prompted an emergency examination under anaesthesia at the zoo’s veterinary hospital on Sunday, April 13.
Following extensive care that included fluid therapy and high density oral supplements, the veterinary team concluded there was no chance of recovery and made the decision to euthanise the cub to prevent suffering.
WROZ director Dr Mark Pilgrim said staff were heartbroken but had done absolutely everything possible to support first-time-mother Asali and her cub during its critical early life phase.
“Although the early signs after birth were encouraging, the early life stages of a cub can be quite delicate and present some natural challenges for lionesses,’ Dr Pilgrim said.
“First-time mothers can sometimes experience difficulties with lactation while they navigate the demands of motherhood.
“The labour and post-birth interactions were monitored remotely via 24-hour cameras, disturbing the natural bonding process.”
Intervention was a last resort, only made when the cub’s health was at risk, separating it from its mother carries a high risk of maternal rejection.
A necropsy was conducted on the morning of Monday, April 14 and confirmed the lack of milk supply.
Further tests are expected in the next few weeks to rule out any other cause of death.
Dr Pilgrim said this is an extremely sad time for the entire zoo community.
“Our thoughts are with them and all who cared for this precious cub, and especially with our keepers and vets who worked tirelessly to care for the cub,” he said.
The cub was born on the evening of Sunday, March 23 to seven-year-old mother Asali and eight-year-old father Sheru, marking the first single-cub litter in the zoo’s history.
