A mysterious illness has struck three lion cubs in the Herberstein animal world. ‘Spartacus’, ‘Maximus’ and ‘Tiberius’ all had to be euthanized. The autopsy has now been completed. Why did the brothers have to die?
They were the pride of the Herberstein animal world: the three lion cubs “Spartacus”, “Maximus” and “Tiberius”, who were born in 2019 as children of lioness “Amira” and were hand-raised in Eastern Styria.
Now, almost four years later, there is sadness. In 2023, ‘Maximus’ was the first to be euthanized because he had a mysterious illness. At the beginning of the year there was bad news: “Spartacus” and “Tiberius” were also sick. On January 23, they were put out of their misery. They had problems with the musculoskeletal system and were severely shaken by cramps.
“Probable genetic or nutritional reasons”
The University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna performed autopsies on the two lions to determine the cause of their illness. “The research has shown that there may be genetic or nutritional causes,” says representative Karin Winkler.
The zoological director Reinhard Pichler specifies: “A CT, an MR and a pathological examination were carried out. The exact cause of the disease could not be clearly determined.”
This doesn’t make you much smarter than before. It is said that hand-rearing lion cubs is difficult because there is little scientific knowledge about it.
Lion mother “Amira” and her partner “Caesar” continue to live together in Herberstein. The lioness has now been given a hormone stick as a contraceptive.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
