[Marcia]

I know some of you have read my previous posts about Koza the lion cub, and Cairo the italian mastiff. (there is a dog involved, so not totally off topic )

 

[Guest]

Those pictures are pretty amazing.

Janet 'n Twinkie

 

[Guest]

they are soooo cute. Goes to show distaste for other speicies are learned.

 

[Sandy and Bo]

lovely.

Sandy

 

[Guest]

Wow! very pretty pics.Tummy Boys slave.

 

[biscuit]

Omigosh, the Mastiff looks like Yogi from the collar down --- Yogi even has the same white patch,

Great pictures. The third one is very cool.

 

[Guest]

Beautiful photos! They look like such good buddies. Do they ever fight?
Arlene and Opus.

 

[murraysmom]

Thanks for the update- I was wondering how things were going

 

[Aruuuu]

Great pictures of an amazing relationship. They've both grown quite a bit, haven't they?

Any idea how long they'll be able to continue spending time together?

 

[Guest]

Wow! Great pictures, and thanks for the update. I remember reading your first post about these two. Please continue to keep us updated!!!!!

 

[Betsy Iole]

Great photos! Thanks for posting them.

 

[Marcia]

Thanks everyone for your nice comments. Arlene, they still get along amazingly well. If they do scuffle they usually work it out among themselves, but they are constantly supervised in case of trouble. They have taught each other bite inhibition very nicely. The lion weighs 65 pounds, Cairo a little less, but still relatively equal.

We have started separating them for a few hours a day to wean Koza off her company. He stays at Lion Camp and she goes for a long walk and has some one on one time with us. This has had a nice side benefit - the exhibit animals are becoming accustomed to seeing Cairo around, which helps when we have service dogs in the park. Cairo has also learned not to bark at the elephants. This week we will introduce the cub to Mina, one of our adult female lions. This will be done through an intro screen so they are not in direct contact. It's time for Koza to learn that he's a lion and not a dog, especially as his future will be as a breeder at another facility. His genetic line is very important to the North American lion program - we have to get him ready to form his own pride one day.

Edited to add that Cairo has a forever home waiting for her with one of our animal care managers. She will have a great yard and some dog buddies, and will be very spoiled.

[ April 13, 2006, 12:45 AM: Message edited by: Marcia ]

 

[Emma and Doris]

It's really a fascinating story, to say nothing about your fine photos.

Thanks for the update, Marcia!