Updates From the Zoo's Lion Keepers
Building a Pride: Part III
April 14
After the first yard intro, we decided to use procedures similar to the ones we followed during indoor intros—giving Luke access to each female, one on one, but outside this time.
Based on our observations, Naba was the main aggressor during the yard intro, so we decided our best approach would be to start by working on Naba’s comfort level in the yard with Luke. Our hope was that once we got over this hump, Shera’s comfort level with Luke’s presence would mimic that of her older sister. Turns out we were right!
Naba was introduced to Luke one on one several times. We started by introducing them inside for a few moments before letting them outside together, but Luke refused to go outside in this scenario, and he also blocked Naba from going outside by lying down in the chute between their indoor enclosure and the yard. Our next approach was giving Luke access outside alone, and giving Naba yard access with him a short time later. This worked well and we did not observe any aggression between the two.
Several days later, we decided to start working with Luke and Shera outside, one on one. Shera was quite stressed without her sister and we decided to allow Naba out with Shera and Luke. This worked beautifully. With her sister behind her, Shera felt comfortable enough to approach Luke. Luke and Shera exchanged some short-lived aggressive vocalizations and posturing, but when Naba declined to participate, Shera settled down and all three lions rested calmly together in the morning sun.
From here on out, the lions will continue to go outside together and the area will be open for public viewing. Visitors may observe some minor aggression from time to time, but the lions have been handling their confrontations appropriately, and we will continue to keep a close eye on their behaviors and interactions.
During the next week, we’ll be testing the pride's reactions to various stimuli, such as objects in their yard and objects outside of their yard but in view.
As mentioned in an earlier update, Naba has already bred with Luke. So far, she has not come into heat, leading us to believe that she is likely pregnant and we are preparing for the possible birth of cubs next month!
Read Building a Pride: Part II
