In Siberia’s permafrost, mammoth tusk collectors uncovered two remarkably preserved cave lion cubs, Boris and Sparta, in 2017 and 2018. These cubs, aged one to two months when they died roughly 28,000 and 43,000 years ago, offer a rare glimpse into the Ice Age. With fur, whiskers, and even traces of mother’s milk preserved, they rank among the best-preserved Ice Age animals ever discovered.
The collectors spotted the cubs along the Semyuelyakh River in Russia’s Yakutia region, buried 10 to 12 meters deep. The female, Sparta stands out for her near-perfect condition, with intact claws and fur, while Boris provides valuable data despite slight damage. These cubs, part of the extinct Panthera spelaea species, roamed the Eurasian steppes alongside early humans, hunting large herbivores. The permafrost’s rapid freezing preserved their delicate features, creating a vivid snapshot of life thousands of years ago.
Analysis shows the cubs likely died in a natural event, such as a landslide or den collapse. Researchers, including those at the Centre for Palaeogenetics, are studying Sparta’s milk traces to learn about cave lion diets and behaviour. These details help us understand the animals that early humans encountered, often depicted in cave art like France’s Chauvet Cave.
Melting permafrost reveals finds like mammoths and cave bears, but thawing risks damaging these remains. Genetic studies of Sparta may clarify how cave lions relate to modern lions, adding to our knowledge of ancient ecosystems. This discovery highlights archaeology’s role in preserving the past, combining fieldwork, genetics, and history to deepen our understanding.
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