Siberia, August 7: An Ice Age lion cub, dating back tens of thousands of years ago, has been discovered in Siberia in Russia. Researchers believe that the cub is one of the best-preserved fossils, in nearly 'perfect condition' found so far. Reports inform that a 28,000-year-old cave lion cub, found by experts, was seen curled up under the permafrost. The teeth, skin, claws, and even whiskers of the ice age lion cub were still intact, making it the best-preserved specimen. Golden Langur Becomes Extinct After Last Surviving Primate From Assam's Umananda Passes Away.

As per records, cave lions are extinct species. They have been extinct for around 14,000 years now.  According to a report by Euronews, the cub was initially called 'Sparta' by scientist Dr Valery Plotnikov and his colleagues. It was found just 15 metres away from another cave lion cub, called 'Boris', that locals had discovered earlier. Second Wave of Animal Extinction is Coming: 558 Mammals Could Go Extinct by 2021 Says Study; Sir David Attenborough Warns Similar Mass Extinction For One Million Species!

Ice Age Lion Cub Found in Russia's Siberia; See Pics

The report adds that a CT scan showed Sparta was female and 15,000 years younger than another cub found 15 meters away, dubbed as Boris. The report adds that the pair were first thought to be siblings, however, a study stated that they lived more than 15,000 years apart and carbon dating put Boris at 43,448 years old.

The new study reveals that both the cubs were just one to two months old when they died and there is no evidence that they were killed by a predator. The study also suggests they might have fallen and become trapped might have been buried in a mudslide.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2021 07:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).