Isaac - Liliger

Isaac, a cross between a male lion (Panthera leo) and a female liger (lion/tiger -Panthera tigris- cross), was born in late October 2017. We at the Kirshner Wildlife Foundation believe every animal deserves a home. This one came to us to be part of our research program comparing ligers, tiligers, and liligers for behavior, animal nutrition, and growth.

First born in 2013, liligers are extremely rare, with only eight known in the United States and an unknown amount in Russia. It is a crossbred species of a male lion and a female liger, not inbred. Liligers are 75% lion and 25% tiger. The Foundation does not breed these or any animals, but provides qualitative care for many animals that otherwise would be euthanized due to their special needs and challenges that most other facilities are not prepared to offer.

Here at the Foundation, we will monitor and conduct non-invasive research on our liliger pertaining to animal soundness, nutrition and behavior. We look forward to sharing his exciting development with other facilities to learn more about these mysterious, extraordinary animals. Being a curious fusion of two different species, will he chuff like a tiger or roar like a lion? Maybe both!

While ligers oftentimes suffer genetic abnormalities and neurological problems, it is unknown if liligers will suffer from the same birth defects that ligers do.