Inbreeding

[Tiger Grrl]

Hi all

I was just wondering if anyone had any knowledge/information on any zoos inbreeding African lions? Not interested in the collection, but more with lineages, identified causes of disabilities, management techniques with large prides etc?

 

[Paulkarli08]

The UK safari parks are in dire need of new male blood. They have all exchanged males over the years so are all at least related to a degree. Knowsley as an example has traded males with Blair Drummond and Longleat (as far as my knowledge takes me back) There is no real pride management, they had poor breeding success for several years and in 2004 recruited a male from Longleat, and he hasn't stopped breeding!! However the majority of his offspring have been male and at least 5 of the (15+) cubs born since 2006 have been castrated. Current pride is around 23 individuals. Nowhere is willing to take the male offspring at all so breeding is expected to cease. Other safari parks have all the females on implant. I've heard of Blair Drummond inbreeding (unintentionally maybe?) their pride, although there are no real noticeable disabilities in the offspring.