A malnourished and weak lion cub, estimated to be only a few months old, was discovered wandering along a local road near Subotica, Serbia, on Thursday. The young female cub appeared extremely frail and disoriented before being safely taken to the nearby Palić Zoo for medical attention. According to zoo curator Sonja Mandić, the cub arrived in “pretty poor shape,” suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration. Veterinary staff at the zoo are now providing hydration, nutritional support, and round-the-clock care to help the animal recover and regain its strength.
Mandić explained that it is difficult to determine the cub’s exact age due to its underdeveloped condition, estimating it to be between three and six months old. She noted that malnutrition had likely stunted its growth, making it appear much younger and weaker than a healthy lion of the same age. Despite its poor health, the cub reportedly showed a calm and even friendly demeanor toward people, as seen in footage circulating on social media. The video shows the cub timidly emerging from tall grass onto the road, seemingly seeking human contact or help.
A local resident first spotted the cub and immediately contacted the police, who arrived at the scene and transported the animal to the zoo. Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding how the lion cub ended up in the area. However, the incident has sparked growing concern over the smuggling and illegal trade of exotic and wild animals across the Balkan region. Wildlife experts suspect the cub may have been part of an illicit trafficking operation, possibly abandoned or lost while being transported. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the cub’s recovery, while investigators continue to look into its mysterious and troubling appearance on a Serbian roadside.
