Updates From the Zoo's Lion Keepers
Building a Pride: Part II
March 25
After several successful pride introductions inside, the Great Cats keepers decided it was time to introduce our three lions as a group to the yard. This decision was based on behavior between Luke and the girls (Shera and Naba) that indicated they were establishing a bond and could have interactions but return to a calm state.
Some keepers were inside in case we felt it was necessary to bring Luke or the girls inside to separate them. The lion keepers, curator, and vet staff were outside observing from the public area and relaying information to the keepers inside.
Luke and the girls seemed surprised to see each other out in the same yard at the same time. There was a lot of growling, physical contact, and teeth baring as the girls tested Luke's boundaries, but he held his ground. We anticipated this behavior but it got our adrenaline pumping as this was a first for all of us—humans and lions alike.
After about six minutes of squabbling, all three lions lay down. They continued to growl and bare teeth at each other, but the situation did not escalate. Some more chasing and scuffling continued a few minutes later when Naba decided that she didn't like it when Luke moved!
We ended the intro after 12 minutes and separated the lions. We feel that this first intro was a positive one, and that the initial nervousness or surprise from the lions translated into some aggression, which is normal. We are encouraged by what we observed today, and will continue with slightly longer yard introductions so the group can continue bonding.
See photos from today's intro
March 12
Introductions between Luke and each of the girls—Naba and Shera—have continued to progress well, so we have taken the next step.
On two occasions, Luke, Naba, and Shera have been given access to each other’s enclosures simultaneously, inside. On both occasions, Naba was the first to enter Luke’s enclosure and Shera followed behind. We would describe Naba's and Shera’s behavior as comfortable, and Luke's as a little nervous during the first group intro (as expected), but more comfortable during the second. Over the next couple of weeks we will continue to extend the time that the lions spend together inside the building, based on the behavior of each individual. Our goal is to be able to allow all of the lions outside together come this spring.
Read Building a Pride: Part I
