The cubs were just one week old and without a mother when they were rescued by Howletts Wild Animal Trust, a wildlife and conservation charity based in Kent.
When the cubs unexpectedly developed complex medical issues, the charity reached out to Ben Harris – clinical director at Wear Referrals in Bradbury.
One of the lion cubs saved by Wear Referrals in Bradbury, County Durham (Image: PROVIDED) Between Wear and the vet team in Kent, a treatment plan was devised.
Ben said: “The lion cubs – a male named Cazzo and his three sisters Simbi, Kari and Zimmy – initially appeared well but then became lethargic and stopped eating and drinking.
“Blood tests showed marked abnormalities in blood sodium and potassium levels. Despite intensive treatment, first the male and then the female cubs developed seizures.
“The team and I at Wear worked closely with Jane and her team at Howletts to determine the best course of treatment over the following month.”
The lion cubs are now thriving and growing up at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent, where they can be seen by the public (Image: PROVIDED) The vets treated the cubs with a mix of fluids and medication, and gradually they began to improve.
Thanks to the work of Ben and his team, the four cubs are now thriving and at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent, where they can be seen by the public.
The Wear Referrals vetenary team- Alessia Silvia Colverde, Ben Harris and Megan Work (Image: PROVIDED)
The charity’s director, Jane Hopper, said: “We’re grateful to Ben and the Wear team once again for working with us to help these lion cubs.”
Ben added: “The Howletts Wild Animal Trust engages in collaborative conservation work around the world rearing, rescuing and re-introducing species to their natural environment.
“It does great work and we’re happy to play our part by helping these wonderful lion cubs.”
For more information regarding Ben and his team, visit www.wear-referrals.co.uk.