A lion cub was born at the Sancti Spíritus Zoo, an institution that faced severe criticism in February for the dire conditions in which its animals were kept, many of them surviving in empty enclosures due to water shortages. The newborn, named Jorgito, arrived alongside another cub in a multiple birth, but only he survived.
The cub's mother, Mily the lioness, had previously made headlines in 2019 after undergoing surgery to remove a bullet from her right jaw, according to the Escambray newspaper. Mily had been shot by Cuban police to save a young worker from the El Bosque cafeteria, who often played with her. Mily gave birth in captivity and is currently nursing her cub, who is reported to be in good health, according to Taimí Mencía Venegas, director of the Sancti Spíritus Zoo.
This birth is significant as it marks the first lion birth at the zoo since 2016, when a cub named Raly was born to Bertha and Leoncio. The gestation period for lionesses ranges between 110 and 120 days, especially in multiple births. In Mily's case, she shared her enclosure with a single male, allowing for more detailed monitoring of her pregnancy.
For Miguel Concepción Echemendía, a caretaker and veterinary technician at the zoo, the birth of Jorgito was a deeply emotional event amidst the ongoing crisis and despair on the island. Concepción Echemendía, who named the young lion, described the experience as akin to having a child of his own. The birth occurred on the night following Mother's Day, and since then, Miguel and his team have been closely monitoring the cub's health, as reported by the newspaper.
During the first eight weeks, Jorgito will be nursed by his mother before being moved to a separate enclosure. This measure is taken to protect him from the adult male lion, explained the expert, who is responsible for over 20 animals in the zoo's carnivore section, including lions, jaguars, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and jackals.
In February, a report surfaced about the poor living conditions of animals such as the crocodile and turtles, which had no water in their enclosures. The complainant stated that when she raised the issue with some of the zoo's staff, they calmly responded that they receive water via tankers, and the enclosures for those unfortunate animals have problems retaining the liquid.
Sancti Spíritus Zoo: Lion Cub Birth and Animal Welfare Concerns
The recent birth of a lion cub at the Sancti Spíritus Zoo has brought attention to both a joyous event and ongoing concerns about animal welfare. Here are some frequently asked questions about the situation.
What is the significance of Jorgito's birth at the Sancti Spíritus Zoo?
Jorgito's birth is significant as it marks the first lion birth at the zoo since 2016. It also brings hope and positive attention to the zoo amid ongoing criticism of its animal care conditions.
Who is Mily, and why has she been in the news before?
Mily is the mother of Jorgito. She previously made headlines in 2019 when she underwent surgery to remove a bullet from her right jaw, an injury inflicted by Cuban police to save a young worker who often played with her.
What measures are being taken to ensure Jorgito's safety?
Jorgito will be nursed by his mother for the first eight weeks before being moved to a separate enclosure to protect him from the adult male lion.
What were the criticisms faced by the Sancti Spíritus Zoo earlier this year?
The zoo faced criticism for the poor living conditions of its animals, with reports of enclosures lacking water and animals struggling to survive in dire conditions.