Lion puberty at Heidelberg Zoo: Nouri develops pure energy!

Lion puberty at Heidelberg Zoo: Nouri develops pure energy!

At Heidelberg Zoo, a small predatory largemouth has developed into a real attraction for young and old. The Barbary lion Nouri, born at the end of August 2024, now weighs over 60 kilograms - 62.5 kg to be exact. With his playful, curious nature, he delights visitors. The young big cats show typical behavior; So Nouri likes to run around and simulate hunting games. A particular highlight is his preference for a sack filled with alpaca wool, which he regards as prey. This shows the playful behavior, which is not only important for his muscles, but also trains his instincts, as Speyer-Kurier reports.

It's remarkable how Nouri has changed. In almost a year, the young lion has gained a lot of size and weight. His mother, lioness Binta, weighs an impressive 90 kg, while his father, Chalid, weighs in at 178 kg. While Nouri regularly takes advantage of the extensive climbing opportunities in the enclosure, visitors can enjoy watching him jump on the climbing tower or the meadow in front of it.

The path to adulthood

Nouri has experienced almost all the benefits of lion puberty. His mane is starting to grow and the first roots are clearly visible on his neck. This means he is well on his way to becoming a stately Barbary lion. He's not nervous - with good health and a healthy appetite, he devours between six and eight kilograms of meat every week. He has been listening to sweet mother's milk for over six months and is getting ready to reach his full size in two years and develop the characteristics of an adult animal, according to the zookeepers' assessment.

Back to the roots: The Barbary lion (Panthera leo leo), once widespread in North Africa, has suffered a sad fate due to hunting, loss of habitat and loss of prey. According to Species Extinction, the last Barbary lions probably disappeared by the 1940s. These majestic animals were not only part of Egyptian culture, but also had a place in the Roman arenas. Historical records show that they played a significant role in ancient times and were legendary for their strength.

Today, the descendants of Barbary lions kept in few zoos are often cross-breeds with other lion populations. Still, there are successful bloodline conservation efforts in Rabat, Morocco, where the number of Barbary lions increased from 52 in 1998 to about 90 in 2020. Nouri could become a symbol of the protection of these majestic animals, offering audiences an exciting and educational experience.

Visit Nouri at Heidelberg Zoo and witness the exciting development of this little big cat, which grows into the king of the animals every day.