Lioness mane mystery solved

The mystery of a lioness who started growing a mane has been solved.

Lab results have revealed Bridget the African lioness has an elevated level of androstenedione, a hormone which can contribute to developing male features.

Last month, news of Bridget’s unlikely feature - manes are unique to male lions - made global headlines.

Oklahoma City Zoo dubbed the mystery “the curious case of Bridget’s mane”.

The lioness sprouted the shaggy hair last year.

University of Tennessee vets compared Bridget's blood to samples from her sister, Tia, who has no mane. 

The pair had blood samples taken from their tails.

Bridget's blood also contained a higher level of cortisol, which regulates metabolism and the immune system.

The zoo says the results likely mean the 18-year-old lioness has a benign tumour that's producing the hormones, but that her health is excellent.

The zoo says female lions with manes are not unheard of, but they are rare.

Last year a lion at Adelaide zoo sparked panic after growing a mane.

Sadly, Yizi died while investigations were carried out as to why.