The group of Asian lions (Panthera leo persica) of Terra Natura Benidorm has successfully overcome the period of union and adaptation, which started in June with the arrival of three new females to the zoo to create a group of this species along with the male, called Bala, who has lived in the zoo for 11 years. This species is currently in danger of extinction according to the IUCN Red List.
The Asian lionesses, called Anala, Kesai and Ramari are sisters and were born in 2016 in Chessington (United Kingdom). The arrival of the 3 females has the aim to make a stable group, contributing to the well-being of the male, as they are very sociable and usually live in a group.
The process of adaptation of the lionesses has been long because these animals need to get used to the new environment and also share the space with their congener. The team of experts established a first phase in which females could smell and listen to the male, but could not make physical or visual contact with him.
After overcoming this phase, the visual contact started in which the animals could be seen, but they continued without physical contact. The first reactions among the lions were surprise and curiosity. In this phase it is necessary to pay special attention to prevent tension between the animals.
The unions initially have a duration of a few minutes, which is extended as the days go by and always gradually according to the reactions of the animals.
Once the union of the feline group has been consolidated, all the members have been removed to their meadow. In this way, the zookeepers consider that the adaptation of the females has been a success, and they trust that it will remain stable over the years.