FAQ #9 – What is the normal Gestation period for a lioness?

The normal gestation period for a lioness is roughly 110 days. A lioness conceives between 2 – 4 cubs.

In the wild, roughly 15 percent of all cubs born reach maturity, which means there is quite a high mortality rate. 

FAQ #8 – What happens when a male lion takes over the pride?

When male lions reach full maturity, they are ready to take over territory – which means taking over a pride.

When a male lion takes over a pride, the first thing he does is to kill off the previous males offspring. He kills the cubs because they are not biologically related to him, and does not want to spend his energy ensuring that other lions’ genes will be passed on.

However, within days or weeks of losing their cubs, the female lions come into oestrus and mate with the cub-killing male, and produce other cubs.

FAQ #7 – What projects have been done at Ukutula?

Ukutula is a lion research center situated in South Africa. The game farm comprises 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, giraffe and zebra.

Ukutula has hosted several research projects, such as a research documentary with National Geographic a few years ago, where a German Professor did 4D scanning of the foetus, inside the worm of the lioness.

We have also been part of the white gene research project, a scientific research for the gene responsible for the white lion.

The University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science’s Veterinary Genetics Laboratory embarked on a collaborative project with Ukutula to study the lion in captivity and particularly the white lion. Ukutula has the largest family of lions that carry the white mutation and this has provided the genetic material for the research. 

Ukutula’s lions have also provided material for disease and immunological research.

FAQ #6 – What are the main dangers that lions face in the wild?

Lions and especially African lions may be one of the most dangerous and feared animals in the world. However, they are faced with many dangers, threats and obstacles in the wild.

Lion hunting is a significant danger that lions face – with other human threats, such as population growth and agricultural expansion resulting in the lions loss of natural habitat and territory. 

FAQ #5 – What Diseases are Lions prone to?

African lions, especially those that live in the wild are vulnerable to many diseases. One such disease is Bovine Tuberculosis.

Bovine Tuberculosis is a serious disease that spreads among numerous wildlife species, and has established itself as a significant problem in lions.

Other infectious viral diseases affecting African lions include Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline AIDS, which breaks down the lion’s natural immunity or resistance to disease.

FAQ #4 – What is your view on Lion hunting?

Ukutula is a lion research center situated in South Africa. The game farm comprises 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, giraffe and zebra.

Ukutula and it’s owners Willie and Gillian Jacobs are fully opposed to the practice of lion hunting and are fiercely dedicated to conservation and the protection of lions and all animals.

 For more information on Ukutula please visit our website: http://www.ukutula.com/

FAQ #3 – How often is a male replaced in a Pride and Why?

 

Usually a male is replaced every two to three years. The reason for that is, should a male remain in a pride longer than two to three years, it is more likely that he would than start mating with his own female offspring.

 

In nature, it works that way, that after these few years another male would challenge him and oust him from the pride. The new male lion would then take over the pride.

 

Lions are the only cat species that form social groups, known as prides. These prides are often described as matriarchal because more females belong to a pride and remain long-term members of the pride, unlike male lions.

 

Ukutula is a lion research center situated in South-Africa. The game farm comprises 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, giraffe and zebra. 

 

Ukutula is also home to more than 130 different bird species. 

 

Known as the “place of quiet” the lodge is nestled in lush bushveld where the roar of the lion can be heard for miles around.

 

For more information on Ukutula please visit our website: http://www.ukutula.com

FAQ #2 – Are Lions Endangered?

Lions are an endangered species! Over the last couple of years, there has been a rapid decline in lion numbers. We have seen large numbers of lions disappearing from the wild.

According to a new report, the African lion is facing extinction across the entire West African region. The report, titled: The lion in West Africa is critically endangered, was published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE. The report found that the ‘situation is most critical for the geographically isolated populations in West Africa, where the species is considered regionally endangered.’

This report presents sobering results, and paints bleak and dire pictures of the conditions that lions in the wild face. It has also outlined the need for conservation.

Lions in Africa, more especially West Africa, may soon disappear entirely unless conservation efforts improve.

FAQ #1 – How old do Lions get?

This depends on the species of lion and where they live. Due to the tough life that lions lead in the wild, they life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years.

In captivity, lions can live up to 20 years because they lead quiet lives with regular feeding times. They are under constant medical observation and are well taken care of.

While life in the wild is much more dangerous and exhausting, due to the fact that lions have to constantly hunt for food and are prone to violent fights with other lions and animals.

Ukutula is a lion research center situated in South Africa. The game farm comprises 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, giraffe and zebra.

Ukutula is also home to more than 130 different bird species.

Known as the “place of quiet” the lodge is nestled in lush bushveld where the roar of the lion can be heard for miles around.

For more information on Ukutula please visit our website: http://www.ukutula.com

Ukutula walk with lions is an experience that will stay with you for a long time.

Day visitors enjoy the unique experience of observing and photographing the lions in their natural environment.

To find out more, call us on 012 254 4780

Whether guests desire a quiet place to unwind, or are looking for a unique venue with modern conference and team building facilities, Ukutula with its friendly staff and quiet ambience is the place to visit. 

WELCOME TO UKUTULA

Known as the “place of quiet” the lodge is nestled in lush bushveld where the roar of the lion can be heard for miles around yet conveniently situated within an hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is a game farm that comprises 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, including giraffe and zebra.
Ukutula is also home to more than 130 different bird species, but is primarily known worldwide for it’s lion research, breeding and conservation programs.

Industry Category :
Game lodge
Lion research
Wildlife
Conservation
What do we NOT provide :
Hunting
Lion hunting
Canned lion hunting

Products or services we sell :
Eco-tourism,
Research programs
Accomodation
Educational programs
Restaurant

Geographic Area : RSA

Differentiators :
White lions
Walk with lions experience

Payment methods :
Card
Cash
Eft