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New lioness arrives at Bristol Zoo
The introduction of a new lioness at Bristol Zoo is being carefully managed by the zoo’s animal team.
Three-year-old Asiatic lioness Sonika, who was born at Cotswold Wildlife Park, is now settling in and getting to know her companion, six-year-old male Ketan.
Sonika was left to settle in to her new home quietly in the off-show dens, later being given access to a paddock where she could see and smell Ketan, before keepers allowed the pair to meet for the first time.
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“We are experienced in introducing new lions to each other but were very aware that introductions don’t always go to plan,” said Bristol Zoo curator of mammals, Lynsey Bugg.
“It’s a sensitive process and we very much take the lions’ lead.
“On arrival, Sonika chose to explore the off-show dens before entering our larger lion paddock, where the pair could see and smell each other through a mesh fence.
“They were left overnight and, on observation the following morning, we decided it was time to mix them. We are delighted to say that after some initial sniffing and dominance pawing, Ketan and Sonika are now gradually being introduced and are getting to know one another.”
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Sonika and Ketan have not been recommended to breed at this time by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, but zookeepers hope that they will become great companions for each other.
Sonika has replaced Ketan’s twin brother, Kamran, who lived at Bristol Zoo alongside his brother since their birth. The twins were hand-reared by keepers after their mother stopped caring for them.
Kamran moved to Tehran Zoological Gardens in Iran two days before Sonika’s arrival and will continue the breeding programme for this endangered species, forming a new pairing with a lioness from Dublin Zoo.
Lynsey added: “We are all sad to see Kamran go. He was a lovely, majestic creature, but we are thrilled that the brothers are forming new pairings with female lions, as they would in the wild.
“The brothers got along well, considering their maturity, but the time was right for them to go on and create their own pride.
Photo of Sonika courtesy of Cotswold Wildlife Park
Read more: Feeding the lions at Bristol Zoo
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