A lioness has given birth at Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park after a span of 14 years

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A lioness has given birth at Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park after a span of 14 years

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With this recent addition, SGNP now houses a total of three lions.

A lion cub has been born at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) for the first time in 14 years, signifying a notable achievement in its captive breeding program, as reported by an official on Saturday.

A cub was delivered by the lioness Manasi at the national park on Thursday night, as reported by officials.

Last year, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park acquired a pair of lions, Manas and Manasi, in a trade involving two tigers, in accordance with the Central Zoo Authority’s guidelines for zoo exchange programs.

These majestic felines play a crucial role in the captive lion safari and the associated breeding initiative.

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The official stated that following a quarantine period, the large felines were successfully integrated into a spacious enclosure, where they formed a strong bond, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the SGNP veterinary team and caretakers.

Dr. Vinaya Jangle, along with a team of caretakers, is providing round-the-clock monitoring of the mother and her cub. The lioness is thriving and is effectively nursing her young one, he noted.

With this recent addition, SGNP now houses a total of three lions.

“Manasi gave birth to a healthy and active cub at 9.40 pm. The lioness began nursing the newborn at 2.45 am on Friday,” informs Dr. V Clement Ben, additional principal chief conservator forest, western wildlife region.

Assistant Conservator of Forest Sudhir Sonawale, Range Forest Officer Niket Shinde, and SGNP Veterinary Officer Dr. Vinaya Jangle are diligently observing the lioness and her cub. Dr. Jangle informed mid-day that a designated den has been constructed for the lioness to ensure a safe delivery of the cub. The big cats are under continuous surveillance through CCTV cameras.

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