Lion Cub Needs a Mom, and a Labrador Steps Up for the Job

At only four weeks old, Zambi had already lost something every young lion desperately needs: the comfort and protection of her mother. The tiny cub had been rejected because remaining with her mother posed a risk of injury, leaving caregivers with the enormous responsibility of raising her by hand. Without a lioness beside her to provide warmth, guidance, and security, Zambi faced an uncertain beginning. Yet the little cub would soon find an unlikely mother figure in a gentle Labrador Retriever who seemed to understand exactly what she needed. Credit: YouTube When Dr. Chris Brown examined Zambi at the Bondi Clinic, her health was an immediate priority. Being separated from her mother so early meant she had missed out on some of the maternal antibodies normally passed from mother to cub. To give Zambi additional protection against infection, Dr. Brown provided a preventative vaccination when she was four weeks old. It was an important step in helping the vulnerable cub remain healthy while her caregivers continued the demanding work of hand-raising her. But keeping Zambi physically healthy was only part of the challenge. Young lions also learn through interaction, companionship, pla...