London Zoo lion inbreeding causing 'high levels of cub deaths', finds report

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy London Zoo’s lion population could be “compromised” by decades of inbreeding resulting in high levels of cub mortality, a new report has found. “The ‘European Studbook for the Asian Lion’ shows that the EEP founder population contains individuals from matings of full and half siblings, including all female founders,” the authors wrote in October 2017. Malcolm Fitzpatrick, curator of Mammals for ZSL, said: “We welcome this study and the advancements in science that will assist in the conservation breeding of Asiatic lions and other endangered species in zoos throughout Europe and India, and which may also assist with management of isolated populations in the wild that themselves have limited genetic variability. “By taking a holistic approach that combines conservation breeding of Asiatic lions with collaborative work alongside local partners to train wildlife rangers, promote local understanding and encourage the latest wildlife healthcare practices on the ground in India, we’re confident ZSL is doing its bit to encourage the ongoing recovery of these magnificent animals in their remaining stronghold.”