Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: An Asiatic lioness named Shreya at Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar gave birth to a cub on Tuesday evening. However, the newborn had to be separated from its mother after she reportedly failed to accept or care for it.

Shreya, housed in enclosure No. 18, delivered a single cub during her first pregnancy. Following the birth, zoo authorities shifted the newborn to the infant animal care centre located within the premises of the veterinary hospital.

According to reports, Shreya did not accept the cub, prompting zoo authorities to intervene to ensure its survival.

The newborn is currently being kept under controlled lighting conditions and is being bottle-fed diluted milk formula by experienced animal keepers.

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Veterinary staff are monitoring the cub's condition and providing the necessary care.

Shreya became pregnant after mating with Asiatic lion Harsh. Notably, the two lions are siblings.

Both were born on August 29, 2024, along with another cub named Dhruv, to lion Samrat and lioness Bijli. The latest birth has therefore raised concerns about inbreeding within the zoo's Asiatic lion population.

Zoo officials have noted that the survival of inbred lion cubs can be challenging, highlighting the importance of veterinary care and appropriate breeding management.

The latest birth comes after another difficult episode involving lioness Maya, who gave birth to two cubs last month following mating with Shivam.

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Maya and Shivam are also littermates, having been born to lioness Reba. Their offspring were therefore inbred as well.

One of Maya's cubs was stillborn, while the other, a male, died four days after birth despite receiving veterinary care.

These recent cases have highlighted the challenges involved in the survival of newborn lion cubs at Nandankanan.

With Shreya's cub now under human care, zoo authorities are focusing on its health and development. Its survival will depend on its condition and response to the specialised care being provided.

The recent births have also drawn attention to the importance of monitoring breeding practices and maintaining the health of the zoo's captive lion population.