Dubai: Timidly back on four paws after just five days in a veterinary clinic, the two rescued male lion cubs are still waiting to hear their fate after the Ministry of Environment and Water intervened last week and removed them from their owner after finding them in a pitiful health condition.
When found, both cubs were unable to stand, with their hind legs immobile from a bad diet and lack of exercise. Malnourished and dehydrated, constipated and under severe stress, the cubs were brought to the UAE in January to perform in a circus that has not yet been issued necessary approvals to carry on.
Under the watchful eye of a wildlife vet in a clinic in Jumeirah, one cub has literally found its feet again and is now able to stand and saunter stiffly around for a few minutes at a time.
His older companion, is still not able to carry his body weight on his hind legs, but progress has definitely been made, the vet said.
"Their appetite has picked up tremendously. The faecal matter that was blocking their insides has come out, de-worming has worked and they can walk.
Big improvement
"Compared to how they came in, and how they are now, it is [a] big improvement," he said. "They are still under a five-day antibiotic treatment. However long an animal has suffered, double the amount of time is needed for recovery."
Little is know about the origin of the cubs and what they have been through.
Gulf News discovered the cubs during an investigation into illegal animal trading.
On arriving at the clinic on Friday, they weighed 15.6kg and 23.4kg respectively. Resting side by side in a large, comfortable room, the cubs seem livelier than before. Eyes bright and coats washed, the smaller cub has been able to stand and walk around the back of the clinic, but rests often. His companion is eager to follow but just manages to pull himself forward using his front paws.
The clinic will be submitting a comprehensive health report to the Ministry's animal welfare department early next week that will go towards an inquiry the authorities are conducting on the cubs, their keepers and entourage.
"It's unlikely that they are the same age, because lion litters never produce two males. One is a little bit older," he said.
