Father Caesar moved from the Plättli Zoo in Switzerland to Herberstein in March 2017; his mate, Amira, arrived in Eastern Styria a year later from the Pilsen Zoo in the Czech Republic. The two big cats got along wonderfully, and now they’ve successfully produced their first litter.
“In the spring of 2019, the young Barbary lioness went into heat for the first time, and over the summer months she steadily gained weight as she grew. At that time, a pregnancy was not yet foreseeable; it wasn’t until the end of October that signs of pregnancy became apparent,” explains veterinarian Reinhard Pichler, zoological director of Tierwelt Herberstein. The three cubs are under constant veterinary care. In addition, the animal keepers must supplement their diet because the lioness does not produce enough milk.
“Since the father’s name is Caesar, we decided on Roman names: Spartacus, Maximus, and Tiberius,” reveals Tierwelt Managing Director Doris Wolkner-Steinberger.
A New Attraction for the Herberstein Wildlife Park
“The newest additions to the animal family are a tremendous asset to the Herberstein Wildlife Park. I believe that the lion cubs will not only bring us immense joy, but will also attract many visitors in the coming year,” said Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, State Councilor for Tourism.
In 2019, Tierwelt Herberstein set a new record with 233,833 visitors to date. “The progress made in recent years is very encouraging. Doris Wolkner-Steinberger and her team have done an outstanding job. I am therefore delighted that she will continue to lead Tierwelt Herberstein in the coming years,” said Eibinger-Miedl. The contract with Doris Wolkner-Steinberger has been extended for another three years, effective January 1, 2020.
Two years ago, the retail company SPAR became a sponsor of the lioness. “Sponsoring our lioness Amira is something very special for SPAR Styria, and we have decided to extend this sponsorship for another three years. The lion cubs make us even prouder sponsors, and we are very pleased that SPAR Styria is now also able to sponsor the lion cub Spartacus,” said SPAR Marketing Director Richard Kaufmann.
The Herberstein lions belong to the subspecies of the Barbary lion, a species that is already extinct in the wild. They are bred in only a few zoos in Europe. The current population is estimated at approximately 80 animals worldwide, which makes these new births all the more significant from a species conservation perspective.
The cubs are currently in the birthing den with their mother, Amira; the mother and cubs are still separated from their father. This approach mirrors the natural behavior of lions in the wild, when the lioness separates herself from the pride to give birth. Caesar will meet his cubs at a later date. Visitors will be able to see the cubs starting January 9, 2020.
Hours:
During the Christmas break through January 6, 2020: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Starting January 9, 2020:
Open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2 images attached
Photographer: Harry Schiffer
Free for publication!
For inquiries:
Karin Winkler, Leitung Marketing/PR
Steirischer Landestiergarten GmbH
Buchberg 50, 8223 Stubenberg/See
T: +43 3176 80777-31
M: +43 664 8865 4094
E: <link mail an karin>k.winkler@tierwelt-herberstein.at
