A lioness has given birth to 2 healthy cubs through non-surgical Artificial Insemination in South Africa.
Scientists collected a male lion’s semen, then placed inside the lioness and she gave birth to two healthy cubs 3.5 months later.
Scientists stated that the research is a breakthrough for saving vanishing species like tiger and snow leopard.
A lioness has given birth to a male and a female cub via non-surgical artificial insemination in South Africa.
Scientists collected a male lion’s semen, then placed inside the lioness and she gave birth to two healthy cubs 3.5 months later.
This accomplishment is part of a study by a research team of scientists from the University of Pretoria on the reproductive Physiology of the female African lion, and the development of artificial insemination protocols for this species, which could be used as a baseline for other endangered large wild fields.
Scientists stated that the research is a breakthrough for saving vanishing species like tiger and snow leopard.
According to a report published in University of Pretoria website, Dr Isabel Callealta said that a qualified veterinarian from Spain and PhD candidate at University of Pretoria, the team now has novel data for the African lion’s reproduction physiology.
It further stated that “this, together with the success of the AI births of the lion cubs, not only celebrate a world-first achievement, but has laid the foundation for effective non-surgical AI protocols for this species, using both fresh and frozen-thawed sperm.”