Posted on 03/04/2018 3:06:22 PM PST by nickcarraway
A curious case is puzzling veterinarians at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Bridget, the zoo’s 18-year-old African lioness, has sprouted a mane- a feature typically only seen in male lions starting when they are around one year old, caused by increased testosterone hormone.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is also home to a male lion, six-year-old Hubert who has a robust, dark mane and Tia, Bridget’s 18-year-old sister, who remains mane-less. Bridget’s mane growth occurred between March and November 2017, according to a zoo blog post.
While female lions growing manes is rare, it’s not unheard of, the post said.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan vet advisor Dr. Mike Briggs spotted a female lion in Africa with a mane similar in appearance to Bridget’s.
In 2011, a 13-year-old lioness at the National Zoo in South Africa began developing a mane. An issue with her ovaries resulted in excess testosterone production and once that was resolved, the mane receded.
A group of five lionesses in the wilderness of Botswana were observed with manes in 2014.
“Because these lions came from the same pride and developed the manes at a young age, researchers believe a genetic component in this population resulted in this characteristic,” the post said.
Veterinary staff successfully obtained a blood sample from Bridget last week and are currently awaiting results.
“Aside from a natural genetic component, another potential condition causing the mane growth could be a benign tumor located on her adrenal or pituitary gland as these regulate hormones like testosterone,” the post said.
Other than the extra hair, zookeepers say they see no change in her heath status.
I hope Buster is not Mr. Donna!
Will she be presenting at the Oscars?
Silly! Buster and Blacky (his sister) and their mother Bobbysox all live here with Wannabe who thinks she’s human.
I got them all from an invasion of strays from the neighbors. I thought I would treat them as feras but they moved in. Help.
She’s the aggressive one.
Sounds like the word is out on the cat wireless. I think it may be too late. I recommend moving out of state.
Of course you’re referring to Michelle/Michael, eh?
:-)
Took me a litte time to respond. Sorry, I spit beer all over my first phone.
Now have replacement and wanted to post LOL.
You are indeed a naughty boy.
I plead guilty. LOL
oh my!
i’m gonna stay a LONG ways away from her!
I hear the zoo will tout the lioness as the mane attraction.
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