Sarah Jane LeeSingapore Zoo has warmly welcomed Simba, Singapore’s first locally born lion cub. He was conceived via assisted reproduction, said Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS). However, he would never get to known his father Mufasa, who died at the ripe old age of 20.
Lions in the wild have a lifespan of about 10 to 14 years.
Also read: Wildlife Reserves Singapore Launches “Adopt an Animal” Programme
The Lion King in real life
Image credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Besides their names mirroring characters from the Disney classic, Mufasa passed away before he could meet his little bundle of joy. Mufasa’s “aggressive” nature made reproduction difficult, despite his genes being of “high value in contributing to the genetic diversity and sustainability of African lion populations”. As a result, Simba was conceived through assisted reproduction.
Mufasa was not revived after the procedure due to his deteriorating health. He died before Simba could ever know him.
Preserving Mufasa’s bloodline in Singapore Zoo
Thanks to intervention from WRS, Simba is now growing healthily at three months of age. The inquisitive little cub enjoys small amounts of raw meat and his milk. In addition, he spends most of his playing with enrichment devices to nurture his development. Indeed, nothing could be cuter than this.
Image credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Lion cub Simba and his mother, Kayla, are housed in an off-exhibit at the Singapore Zoo. This will give them time to bond privately before he is introduced to the rest of his family. Mufasa, as in the movie, lives on in Simba as they share the same beautiful eyes.
Image credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
We’re not crying, you are.
Species like Mufasa can be preserved with the help of zoological institutions and technological advancements. We hope Simba will continue growing healthily and fill the shoes of his father.
