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Lion cubs Granby, right, and Neka, left, celebrated their first birthday at the Virginia Zoo in August 2008. Their arrival marked the first large carnivore birth at the zoo in 35 years. (Genevieve Ross | The Virginian-Pilot)
NORFOLK
Today will be the last time twin 2-year-old lion cubs at the Virginia Zoo will be on exhibit. They’re moving.
Granby, the male, and Neka, the female, are flying Wednesday by FedEx, accompanied by a veterinarian and curator, to separate zoos in Oregon, zoo officials announced Monday.
The cubs’ births in August 2007 were the first of large carnivores at the Virginia Zoo in 35 years. Four more lion cubs were born in May.
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From the ZOO web site
• The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (which our zoo belongs to) manages animal collections of member zoos, and places animals to ensure the best possible care and participation in managed breeding programs. Wild and captive genetic populations are monitored and closely managed in captivity. In most cases the loss one or the other population would clearly lead to extinction of the species. The AZA has identified permanent homes for Granby and Neka at zoos on the West Coast, where they also will be on exhibit and part of the zoos’ lion breeding program.
“The genetic pedigrees of our lions make them an ideal breeding match, and their cubs will be valuable additions to the long-range survivability of the species."
Hey, we helped them grow up and may they have lots of cubs of their own in their new homes. Don't we have new cubs on the way??
Well that makes sense.
Well that makes sense.
Re: Boxer
The zoo is not going to be able to keep ALL of the cubs. That would leave too many males, and THAT would get ugly.
They can't even keep the sister in the area with the two males now.
What would you recommend they do?
That is life. You turning your back on the zoo for doing the right thing is ridiculous.
Embrace the new cubs. Or move to Oregon if it is going to rip your world and "your people's" world up so much.
Good grief you need to take it down a notch on the drama scale.
Another reason
This is also a way to keep the genetic mix healthy and prevent in-breeding programs. The article also reports that there are four new cubs that need love, and community attendance, support and donations.
Because...
That's how zoos get animals.
These 2 cubs were born here
These 2 cubs were born here 2 years ago, right? So, for 2 years, we have been encouraged to visit the zoo to see them, become involved, and in a sense, make them, as well as all of the animals, a part of our families. Now, you are taking them away? Who made that decision? These are OUR cubs. Separate them if you have too, but they are ours. This will be heart breaking for my people, especially children. This is a wrong decision, one that many will suffer for. Don't ask me to get involved support the zoo, when what I am supporting is going to be given away to somebody else. I'll support somebody that cares more about the animals, and what happens over a lifetime, rather than a year or two.
Why are they leaving?
Why are they leaving?