Nature & Environment

Mystery surrounds zoo lioness with a mane

By T.K. Randall
February 25, 2018

Image: Lion in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Credit: Thomas Fuhrmann / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) The lioness in question, an 18-year-old named Bridget, is a resident of Oklahoma City Zoo. Her caretakers had started to notice the new hair growth at the end of last year.

Described as 'exceptionally rare', the unusual mane has generated quite a lot of interest among veterinary experts who have taken blood samples in an effort to get to the bottom of the mystery.

"After a while, it became obvious to everybody that Bridget was developing something a little different," said associate veterinarian Gretchen Cole.Some have speculated that the change could be hormonal in nature, however it is also possible that the lioness has a benign tumor growing on her adrenal or pituitary glands.

"Zoo veterinary staff will continue to monitor her closely, but this condition is not likely to affect Bridget's quality of life," the zoo wrote on its Facebook page.

"They report that, other than the extra hair, they see no change in her health status."

Source: ABC News

Tags: Lion