White Lion cubs
The mother is four-year-old Makali and it is her first litter. It’s the first time that Fintan, who is also four, has fathered children. Makali had been on a full-time, 24-7 late-stage pregnancy watch since Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The four cubs were born last weekend, two late Saturday night, Sept. 26, the other two arriving early Sunday morning, about five hours after their siblings. So far they all appear healthy and are doing well.
“Because she is a first-time mom, we were a little bit more concerned, but it turns out she is a natural and has been great with them,” Wildlife Care Manager, Eric Cole, told media Friday
“We did see that one fell out of the den, and was ignored but when it started to cry, mom went and picked it up very gently and put her back in.”
White lions ‘vulnerable’
Mom and her babies are in a special maternity area and will not be available for public viewing until six to eight weeks of age. The first 30 days of their lives, the zoo said, are especially important and they will be monitored closely during this period and beyond.
The cubs, who each weigh about 1.4 kilograms (3 pounds) won’t open their eyes until two weeks of age. The zoo has not revealed the sexes of the four cubs.
White lions are native to Africa and are in decline, with their population reduced by 20 percent. Listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the endangered species list, they have less land to hunt on and so are raiding livestock. This results in farmers shooting and killing them.
The Toronto Zoo had announced just days ago that their panda, Er Shun, is pregnant with twins that should arrive in about two weeks. Er Shun is on loan to the zoo from China.
