Survival and Behavioral Outcomes of African Lion (Panthera leo) Cubs Raised Under Three Management Conditions: African Lion (Panthera leo) Cubs Raised Under Three Management Conditions

Aneeb Ullah; Muazzama Nasrullah; Mehran Tariq; Fiza Adil; Syeda Nida Fatima; Muhammad Rizwan Khan; Bushra Nisar Khan

doi:10.54393/mjz.v7i1.210

Authors

Aneeb Ullah Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Muazzama Nasrullah Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Mehran Tariq Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Fiza Adil Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Syeda Nida Fatima Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Rizwan Khan Department of Punjab Wildlife and Parks, Safari Zoo Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Bushra Nisar Khan Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/mjz.v7i1.210

Keywords:

African Lion, Cub Survival, Hand-Rearing, Wildlife Management, Behaviour Development

Abstract

Understanding the effects of early-life rearing environments on survival and behavior is important for improving the welfare and management of captive and wild carnivores. Objectives: To compare the survival and behavioural development of African lion (Panthera leo) cubs raised under three rearing conditions to test how early-life management influences neonatal survival and welfare. Methods: This was a descriptive cohort study that monitored the litters of free-ranging area (Group A, n=7), maternal rearing under controlled zoo management (Group B, n= 5), and hand-reared (Group C, n=7) in Safari Zoo, Lahore, during 2022-2024. The measured outcomes were the survival rate of cubs up to 90 days of age, reasons for death (if any), the observation of aggression, play, and allogrooming, and health-related interventions, including illnesses and veterinary treatments. Veterinary examinations recorded health, and targeted animal sampling was used to gather behavioural data. There was no formal hypothesis testing, and the analysis was descriptive (counts, percentages, and rates). Results: Group A had a 3/7 (42.9%) survival rate to 90 days, whereas Groups B (5/5) and C (7/7) had a 100% survival rate. Different groups of Cubs raised in the wild showed differing degrees of aggressiveness, but behavioural results were not statistically analyzed. Early respiratory and gastrointestinal problems in hand-reared cubs were addressed by veterinary treatment, ensuring their complete survival. Conclusions: Several co-occurring factors, including veterinary care, diet, cleanliness, and environmental management, may contribute to the improved survival seen in managed groups, making it challenging to determine the impact of any one aspect.

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