Australian zoo shares heartbreaking update on 'miracle' newborn lion cub

A three-week-old African Lion cub has tragically passed away from kidney issues after its mother unexpectedly stopped producing milk. 

Werribee Open Range Zoo, about 30km south-east of Melbourne, confirmed the newborn cub was euthanised on Monday in the zoos veterinary hospital. 

Were heartbroken to announce that an African Lion cub has sadly died from kidney issues after its mother Asali unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk, Zoos Victoria said in a statement. 

Keepers at the African-themed zoo separated the cub from its seven-year-old mother, Asali, after it showed signs of weakness and failed to gain weight. 

Intervention was a last resort, made only when the cubs health was at risk, as separating it from its mother carries a high risk of maternal rejection, Zoos Victoria said. 

Despite the best efforts of veterinarians, the cub was euthanised once it became clear it had no chance of making a recovery.

Although the early signs after birth were encouraging, the early life stages of a cub can be quite delicate and present some natural challenges for lionesses, Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim said.

First-time mothers can sometimes experience difficulties with lactation while they navigate the demands of motherhood.

The three-week-old cub (pictured with its mother Asali) passed away due to kidney failure, tests determined a shortage of maternal milk was the primary factor

Were heartbroken to announce that an African Lion cub has sadly died from kidney issues after its mother Asali unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk, Zoos Victoria said

The death came as a painful blow to zoo staff who kept a close eye on the lone cub and the three-month pregnancy before it was born. 

This is an extremely sad time for our entire zoo community, Dr Pilgrim said.

Our thoughts are with them and all who cared for this precious cub, and especially with our keepers and vets who worked tirelessly to care for the cub.

Its birth on March 23 was widely celebrated as the first single-litter lion cub to have been born at the zoo in its 41-year history. 

Born to first-time mother Asali and eight-year old father Sheru, the zoo described the single-litter birth as incredible. 

Keeper Kieralie Braasch said at the time the cub appears to be embracing its solo life without sibling competition, as it is thriving in both size and development.

Footage showed the tiny cub sleeping between its mothers paws in the safety of her den. Its premature first steps were captured by the 24-hour camera inside. 

Cubs are usually born with their eyes closed for three days and dont take their first steps for 15 days, however this cub amazingly had its eyes open at the three-hour mark and was on the move after just 15 hours, Ms Braasch said. 

Born to first-time, seven-year-old mother Asali (pictured)and eight-year old father Sheru, the zoo described the single-litter birth as incredible

The unnamed cub was the first to be born into a single litter in the zoos 41-year history

The cub was expected to spend the first six to eight weeks of its life in the privacy of its mothers den before being introduced to the rest of the pride. 

The cub received extensive care, however there was no chance of recovery, leading the veterinary team to make the only compassionate and humane decision, to euthanise the extremely sick cub to prevent its suffering, Zoos Victoria said. 

We thank you for your support during this difficult time.

Further tests are expected to be carried out in the coming few weeks to rule out an alternative cause of death.