“During this summer of 2024, an Atlas lion cub was born at the National Zoological Garden of Rabat (JZN) and is under the observation of zootechnical teams, as part of the veterinary monitoring measures and special care enjoyed by this species extinct in the wild since the beginning of the last century,” said the JZN in a press release, noting that this birth is a first since the formation of a new group of Atlas lions in 2022, and is the fruit of the conservation program for this endemic and emblematic species of Moroccan animal heritage.
“Currently four months old, the young Atlas lion born in August is gradually getting his bearings with other members of the Atlas lion group, and can be observed with his mother from October 20 2024, within the Savanna biozone,” we emphasize.
Morocco, renowned for its unique biodiversity and the richness of its fauna and flora, is currently the only country to preserve Atlas lions and to house the largest collection in the world of this species whose numbers vary between 30 and 40 individuals depending on the year.
Through its conservation program, the press release continues, the zoo aims to maintain a founding core of this species, by promoting regular and controlled reproduction on the one hand and balanced management guaranteeing animal welfare conditions on the other hand, with the aim of ensuring the genetic diversity essential to the survival of this population in the long term.
Workshops to raise awareness of the need to protect threatened species and fragile ecosystems are planned during the next school holidays with the aim of recalling the history of the Atlas lions and the importance of this heritage for current generations and future.
