Veterinarians are at a loss: a lioness in a zoo has grown a beard (4 photos)

An unusual lioness named lives at the Oklahoma City Zoo Bridget. She is in her early twenties and in excellent health for that. age. But about five years ago, Bridget suddenly took and grew herself mini-mane, which is unusual for lionesses. And this puzzled me a little. zookeepers and veterinarians.

Bridget before she grew a mini-mane, and after, already in a new look





Bridget's majestic beard appeared in the period from March to November 2017. She remained with her to this day and is completely unrecognizable. worries.

In males, the mane grows at about one year of age in the result of testosterone production. For a female lion, this is very unusual, but Bridget is not the only bearded lioness in the world.



There were other similar cases.

For example, in 2013, a 13-year-old lioness named Emma, kept in the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, has grown a short mane on the neck and head. In 2016, five wild lionesses in moremi reserve in Botswana grew lush manes and began to behave aggressively like males. One of them even started to climb on top of other lionesses.

As for Emma, ​​scientists have found that her ovaries produce excess testosterone. In Botswana, scientists suspect a genetic link between "maned" lionesses.

Bridget (right) with lioness Tia (left) and lion Hubert (center), Oklahoma City Zoo





But in the case of Bridget, there is no change in the behavior of the lioness. was not noticed. She behaves the same as before the appearance of the mane, and the males in her pride also did not change their attitude towards her.

Veterinarians, of course, have a couple of theories about why Bridget has grown a mini mane. This may be due to her age, solid enough. It could also be an adrenal tumor ovary or pituitary gland, which secretes testosterone.

Bridget the lioness certainly looks more masculine with this beard.



But most importantly, she looks perfectly happy, healthy and confident.