Tejas Update!
31 July 2008
Tejas, the male Asiatic Lion, was born to mum Asha and dad Asoka in August 2007. He was hand-reared by Chester Zoo’s carnivore team and went from strength to strength. He later moved to Besançon Zoo, France in January 2008.
Tejas' story was followed by the Zoo Days film crew and featured heavily in the first series.
Tejas, whose name is Indian for sharpness, has settled in very well in his new home and he now weighs in at nearly 80kgs. He continues to grow in weight and strength and is developing an impressive mane.
He will be introduced to the two female Asiatic Lions at Besançon Zoo later in the year, when he should weigh around 90-100kgs.
Team Leader of Carnivores, Alan Woodward, who played a vital part in rearing Tejas, will be visiting Besançon Zoo at the end of August and we will give a further online update on Tejas' progress on Alan's return.
Asiatic Lions can now only be found in India's Gir Forest and with the number of Asiatic Lions plummeting, Tejas will play a major part in the breeding programme for his species, ensuring it continues.
Cub photo courtesy of Press Association.