Zoologists puzzled after 18-year-old lioness grows 'exceptionally rare' mane

An 18-year-old lioness at the Oklahoma City Zoo is puzzling zoologists after she mysteriously sprouted a mane.

In late 2017, caretakers noticed that Bridget the African lion, a "beloved" longtime resident of the Oklahoma City Zoo, began to grow the extra hair around her neck and head, Gretchen Cole, an associate veterinarian at the zoo, told ABC News.

"After a while, it became obvious to everybody that Bridget was developing something a little different," Cole said.

Curious veterinarians do not yet know what the cause for the "exceptionally rare" growth is but were able to take a blood sample from Bridget's tail without placing her under anesthesia after her caretakers spent several days training her to position it to the side.  

Source: Yahoo News