Zoo researches 'very rare' lioness mane

Zoo researches 'very rare' lioness mane

World February 25, 2018 17:42

oklahoma - Animal caretakers of an American zoo are stunned by the new 'look' of lioness Bridget: she has developed considerable man growth.

The moons started to grow between March and November 2017, writes the Oklahoma City Zoo. That was a mystery: male lions always have moons from the second year of life, but for women it is 'very rare', says veterinary surgeon Gretchen Cole to ABC News.

Yet it is not the first time. A 13-year-old lioness from South Africa got moons in 2011 because of a problem in the ovaries. Her body made too much testosterone. Also in 2014 in Botswana four lionesses were seen with mane.

At Bridget, the caretakers think of a runaway pituitary gland, where the hormone regulation is regulated. It can also be a genetic abnormality. The zoo took blood from Bridget to compare it with that of her sister, who is moonless.

Despite the moons, Bridget is a 'smart' and healthy lady, the zoo says she is satisfied.

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