The Oklahoma City Zoo announced that its African lioness is pregnant on Wednesday.
Dunia is 6 years old and due to give birth to her first offspring in late September 2022. It will mark the first lion cubs born at the zoo in 15 years.
“We are extremely excited for this upcoming birth, especially after nearly 15 years since our lion family has grown,” said Tyler Boyd, OKC Zoo’s curator of carnivores. “The opportunity to watch Dunia and the rest of the pride experience this addition is going to be incredibly special for our team members and guests. With African lions listed as a vulnerable species, each birth is vital to the continued success of this species.”
The Oklahoma City Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for African lions which made the recommendation for Dunia to breed with the OKC Zoo’s male lion, 10-year-old Hubert.
The offspring due in September will be the first born to the breeding pair.
Dunia's pregnancy was confirmed through ultrasound monitoring. Caretakers said she's healthy and they will continue to work with her through ongoing exams and ultrasounds.
African lions are classified as vulnerable with wild populations due to illegal hunting, habitat loss, loss of food sources and conflict with humans. It is estimated that the total population of lions in Africa is less than 40,000 mature individuals.
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