Abandoned lion cub adopted by sheepdog in Polish zoo

A lion cub who was abandoned at birth by his parents has been cuddling up to a shaggy-haired sheepdog and mother-of-five at a private zoo in Poland. Parys was born last week at the small zoo in the eastern town of Wojciechow to a mother who showed no interest in nursing him, and a father who gave him one lick and then walked off. “Animals sometimes abandon their young, as do humans from time to time,” said zoo owner Krzysztof Zerdzicki.

When I picked up the little guy, the lioness came over to me and tapped me with her head as if to say: ‘take care of him’. And then she left.

Krzysztof Zerdzicki

Carmen was already busy with her own recent litter of five puppies but one more was no trouble. Since then, Parys has been cuddling up to her adoptive mum alongside his new brothers and sisters. Mr Zerdzicki said Carmen had been “surprised at first” but had taken her new role in her stride. He added: “She’s been taking care of him, licking him, nursing him. His brother and sisters have also accepted him as one of their own.” But, Parys is a very different creature - for one thing, he demands more food than the puppies and has been getting extra meals.

Odd News lion cub