Orange 98
-
by
wreness
moderator
98 is the second oldest male in the Southern California flock. He was hatched at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on March 11, 1994 and was released at Lion Canyon in February of 1995.
He has had four different mates but his last breeding attempt was in 2009 with former mate #289. Around that time biologists noticed that 98's hierarchy within the population seemed to decline and his pair-bond with #289 fizzled.
A routine X-ray at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens during treatment for an elevated lead exposure later revealed that he had sustained a major back injury and broken bones but had miraculously healed!
Posted