The Use of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone to Manage Intraspecific Agonism in a Coalition of Male Lions (Panthera leo)

Abstract

While housing nonbreeding all-male social groups of African lion (panthera leo) is a necessary part of managing this polygynous species ex situ, resulting intraspecific agonistic behavior can negatively impact animal welfare and guest experience, undermining two primary objectives of modern zoological gardens. Improvest is a gonadotropin releasing factor analog-diphtheria toxoid conjugate marketed for temporary immunological castration which has proven successful in reducing aggression in other zoo-housed species. To the authors' knowledge, the use of this technique has not been described in male African lions; reticence to use GnRH agonists may stem from concern about phenotypic effects (mane loss) and zoo visitor perception. We describe the use of Improvest in conjunction with other management changes to manage agonism in a coalition of African lions (3.0) housed at the Oakland Zoo. Daily agonism scores were calculated via animal care staff records, fecal testosterone levels were measured, and monthly photos were taken to monitor phenotypic changes. While agonism scores varied seasonally in three pretreatment years, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the frequency of agonistic behavior began within 2 months of initial treatment. Two lions showed testosterone suppression within 2 months of receiving the first vaccine, while the third showed suppression beginning in the period 4 months after the first vaccine. Mane loss occurred in all three lions, and time to mane regrowth varied between individuals. Improvest, combined with other management strategies, decreased overall fecal testosterone and intraspecific agonism in these lions, and may be an effective tool in other male coalitions.

Keywords: aggression; androgens; bachelor groups; improvest; testosterone.