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/