Research overview: hand-rearing of big cat cubs

Hand-rearing orphaned or maternally rejected big cat cubs requires specialized veterinary and husbandry knowledge covering appropriate milk replacers matched to species composition, prevention of nutritional diseases like metabolic bone disease, management of neonatal infections and failure of passive transfer, and the behavioral consequences of hand-rearing. Improper nutrition historically caused growth and skeletal problems. This overview compiles the zoo-medicine literature rather than one source, describing the nutritional and medical demands of raising cubs, why species-appropriate formula and careful husbandry prevent developmental disease, and the welfare considerations around socialization. It matters because hand-rearing, though sometimes necessary for survival, carries health and behavioral risks, and sound veterinary protocols are essential to produce healthy cubs while recognizing the importance of maternal rearing where possible.