Source: Radio New Zealand
Meeka and Mambila at Orana Wildlife Park. Supplied / Orana Wildlife Park
A family of lions has been euthanised because of their poor health, a Christchurch zoo says.
Orana Wildlife Park said 22-year-old sisters Leah and Meeka, and Meeka’s 15-year-old son Mambila had died.
The group had been suffering from multiple age-related ailments, including degenerative muscle wastage (atrophy), suspected arthritis, and incontinence.
In a social media post, Orana Park said the decision to euthanise the lions together was because of their highly social nature.
Leah, pictured, and her sister Meeka were 22. Supplied / Orana Wildlife Park
“Leah and Meeka lived their entire 22 years together, and Mambila shared a very close bond with his mother. Prolonging the decision for one or more of the animals would have severely compromised their welfare beyond the degenerative issues they were already facing,” a spokesperson said.
“Leaving one elderly lion alone or attempting to integrate them with Orana’s remaining pride of two males would have resulted in a negative welfare state or potentially fatal consequences, given lions’ highly territorial nature.”
Orana Park said Leah and Meeka were the oldest lions in Australasia at the time of their death.
“All three cats reached old age and Leah and Meeka had exceptionally long lives.
“Male lions typically lived up to 14 years and lionesses slightly longer in the wild. This longevity is testament to the extraordinary care provided by our dedicated animal and veterinary teams.”
The park said staff were devastated by the lions’ passing.
“Anyone who has farewelled a beloved animal will understand the depth of emotion people experience at such a loss. These lions were treasured members of our whānau, they will be deeply missed by everyone who cared for them throughout their lives and our community who enjoyed meeting them.
“We are incredibly grateful to our team for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to ensuring all three lions experienced a peaceful and dignified farewell.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
