[FEL-L] Hybrid Lions Article

[Ray]

This makes it sound like there's some tremendous genetic difference between African and Asian lions, possibly more pronounced than between lions and tigers, which produce successful (physically at least) hybrids.

There should have been some serious genetic research coupled with this. Inbreeding of Asian lions may have changed something for the worst, making them different than even their own recent ancestors.

OTOH, the symptoms sound more like renal rickets than anything. I wonder if their diet is proper, especially as cubs. Many Asian zoos know next to nothing about supplements, dietary needs, etc. Some, especially in India, will not feed many meats because of reeligious feelings.

Ray
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: W Tashi 
  To: felines-l at catbox.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 9:53 AM
  Subject: [FEL-L] Hybrid Lions Article



  Lions dying in Indian zoo after failed experiment By
  Palash Kumar 
  Sun Sep 17, 3:30 AM ET



  CHANDIGARH, India (Reuters) - Twenty-one lions are
  dying in a zoo in north India after a cross-breeding
  experiment to boost the park's attractions went
  disastrously wrong. 

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  In the 1980s officials at the Chhatbir Zoo in the
  northern city of Chandigarh, bred captive Asiatic
  lions with a pair of African circus animals, resulting
  in a hybrid species.

  Within a few years it became obvious it had not
  worked.

  The offspring found it hard to walk, let alone run,
  because their hind legs were weak. And by the mid
  1990s the big cats -- which live for up to 20 years in
  captivity -- showed symptoms of failing immune
  systems.

  But it wasn't until 2000 that the breeding program was
  ended, and the male lions given vasectomies, by which
  time the zoo had 70 to 80 such lions.

  Their number dwindled slowly, with disease killing
  some and some dying of wounds inflicted by other
  lions.

  Authorities say they are waiting for the population to
  "phase out" before they can start breeding pure
  Asiatic lions.

  "But the effort here is to help them die with
  dignity," said Dharminder Sharma, a senior zoo
  official. "We give them all the facilities to live a
  happy life in their last years. Some of the old lions
  are even given boneless meat."

  Last year the zoo opened a special enclosure, away
  from the main exhibit area, where it keeps lions who
  have become too feeble to defend themselves.

  It has been dubbed an "old age home" for lions.

  Ailing Lakshmi and Lajwanti now live in these sheds,
  which have a small caged courtyard.

  Both are hybrid and are extremely weak. They can
  barely stand up or walk. Their only activity is a
  small but painful walk to eat their meals. However, if
  challenged, they can still muster a spine-chilling
  roar.

  In August, Lakshmi stopped eating. Doctors at the zoo
  put her on a drip and fed her glucose through water.

  "Those were nervous times for us," said Sharma.

  "We tried very hard to keep her alive and eventually
  succeeded when she slowly started to eat ... Even if
  they are meant to die, it doesn't meant we kill them
  by not treating them," he added.

  Asiatic lions are found only in India and, at present,
  there are about 300 of them in the Gir national park
  in the western state of Gujarat.

  In the mid-20th century, their numbers were less then
  15 as they were vigorously hunted by the Maharajas and
  princes for whom the majestic animal was the most
  coveted game. The population recovered after a
  breeding program launched in the Gir sanctuary in the
  1960s. 


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