WILDLIFE REHABILITATION AND CONSERVATION: CASE STUDY Veterinary Aspects of Hand-rearing Two Orphaned African Lion (Panthera leo ) Cubs: A Revision of Procedures F. Najera, L. Revuelta, and K. J. Kaufman ABSTRACT: This paper describes the meth- odology used to conduct hand-rearing in two orphaned African lions born in captiv- ity. The emphasis on dietary management and medical problems that arise during the process, as well as preventive medicine recommended for this species at this age, are described in this paper. The methods used were considered satisfactory, resulting in two individuals who were weaned to a healthy condition. KEYWORDS: Hand-rearing, neonate, Panthera leo, weaning Statement of problem The African lion (Panthera leo) is a species well repre- sented in zoological institutions world- wide. When lions are in permanent captiv- ity, there are situa- tions that can force hand-rearing of new- borns. e status of the neonate itself can dictate hand-rearing, situations such as congenital or heredi- tary disease, infec- tious or noninfectious disease, and trauma or injury (Read and Meier 1996; Grupo Asesor de Aspectos Sanitarios (del Lince Iberico) [GAAS] 2004; Aceituno et al. 2008). Among the causes affecting the mother in the care of their offspring or cubs, we can consider the follow- ing: dystocia, vaginal or uterine infections (or both), mastitis, inability to secrete milk, and retained placenta (Read and Meier 1996; GAAS 2004), and abnormal maternal behaviors that could endanger the cub’s life such as rejection of their offspring (Aceituno et al., 2008). Discussion Serious consideration should be given to the choice of hand-rearing an infant versus nurture of the mother. Whenever possible, the neonate should stay with the mother for reasons both physiological and behavioral (Cruz 1996; Hedberg 2002). Cubs which do not stay with the mother for at least the first 2 days of life are unable to obtain an efficient immune system, because they receive the majority of the maternal immunity from the calostrum (Cruz 1996; Hedberg 2002). ese cubs are susceptible to any disease or poor prognosis during the first 2 mo of life (Rivas and Vargas 2007). To deal with the failure of passive transfer, we can administer serum from the mother orally, if the mother is CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Fernando Najera Veterinary College, University Complutense of Madrid 28040, Madrid, Spain Mail correspondence to: Avda. De los Voluntarios 114. Galapagar. 28260, Madrid, Spain E-mail: borneanwildcatvet@gmail.com J. Wildlife Rehab. 31 (1): 7–14 © 2011 International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council PHOTO © JUST CHAOS, CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE. Adult African lion (Panthera leo) Volume 31 (1) 7