Lioness Produces Eight Cubs

A lioness named Pasha in Zimbabwe has given birth to a record litter of eight cubs! Pasha lives at the Lion and Cheetah Park near Harare. Lions normally give birth to two cubs at a time.

Dr Hillary Madzikanda, the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority's head of scientific services gushed: “This has never happened in the history of lions, the world over. It is actually a world record.”

The previous known highest number of cubs in one litter was recorded in China only in July this year when a lioness gave birth to six cubs.

Dr Madzikanda explained: “Normally, you get two cubs per litter and getting four is even very lucky. This one is a record. It is an achievement for this lioness.

“Surprisingly, the lioness was on a contraceptive pill.”

The cubs appear to be gaining strength, and are being fed bottles of formula. Link -via Arbroath

(Image credit: Philimon Bulawayo)