Technical maintenance at Leipzig Zoo: Lionesses waiting for ice bomb!

Technical maintenance at Leipzig Zoo: Lionesses waiting for ice bomb!

The lionesses Kigali and Malu are at the center of the action at Leipzig Zoo today. The two are being prepared for a routine slide test in the lion house. An important measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, as [thueringen24.de](https://www.thueringen24.de/umland/article300530233/zoo-leipzig-loewen-gehege- Schieberpruefung-derzeit.html) reports. But this means stress for the two big cats, because their usual daily routine is completely shaken up.

The technical maintenance work is carried out by the experienced locksmiths Amel Osmanovic and Ingo Schramm. The focus is, among other things, on checking the cable car, runway, ropes, rollers and the sliders on the cages. The hot and cramped conditions inside are visibly stressful for the lionesses, which is why they are only allowed back into the outdoor enclosure once all tests have been successfully completed. And as a reward for their patience, Kigali and Malu receive an ice cream bomb after work, consisting of a frozen ostrich egg filled with meat and a piece of wood filled with frozen pieces of meat - a delicious treat!

An unexpected incident

Coincidentally, the measures at Leipzig Zoo became even more important because two lions recently escaped from their enclosure. This incident occurred on Thursday when the two big cats crossed the moat, which is 6.60 meters wide. According to zoo boss Jörg Junhold, it is unclear whether the lions jumped or swam. Up to this point, the facility was considered safe, but a renovation of the outside area of ​​the lion enclosure is now underway. There will be no more animals in the outdoor enclosure until the work is completed.

The remaining lion Majo will not be left alone as the zoo plans to build its own population. Since the two escaped lions came from Basel Zoo, the zoo has already contacted this facility. After the outbreak, security circles were set up around the lions' location. Majo was ultimately able to be pushed back into the facility by 40 employees using construction fences, while his comrade Motshegetsi had to be shot after a failed attempt to get him back after he broke through the internal security circle. This difficult decision weighs heavily, as Junhold reports with experience.

Animal protection and sense of responsibility

In times like these it becomes clear once again that keeping animals in the zoo is always associated with responsibility and passion. The activities of the animal keepers who look after the animals on a daily basis are essential for the animals' well-being. These specialists know each animal and its behavior exactly, which is an essential aspect of species-appropriate husbandry. According to vdz-zoos.org, the conditions in zoos are regularly checked by the responsible authorities, and there is an international network of experts that promotes the exchange of knowledge.

The Leipzig Zoo not only stands for entertainment, but also for a high degree of responsibility in dealing with its animal residents. The current situation is a stark reminder of how important constant maintenance and safety precautions are in zoological facilities - not only for the animals, but also for the public.