Zoo left lion-less after death of elderly pair
Wellington Zoo’s elderly lioness sisters, Djane and Zahra, have been euthanised, leaving the zoo with no lions.
Both lionesses had been closely monitored by veterinary staff over the past 18 months due to agerelated health concerns, and Djane’s health recently deteriorated.
Animal care manager Jo Thomas said the zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams had been monitoring Djane’s health over the past few days, and observed dramatic changes to her demeanour, including becoming disinterested in food.
‘‘Djane had an emergency investigative procedure under general anaesthetic on Monday, where the team conducted numerous tests and gave her support care,’’ she said.
‘‘While the animal care and veterinary teams were hopeful about Djane’s recovery, her health continued to deteriorate quickly and the decision to euthanise Djane was made today.’’
Following the procedure, her sister Zahra was also euthanised on animal welfare grounds.
‘‘Lions are incredibly social and family orientated animals, and Zahra’s welfare would have been severely compromised if she was left to live as a solitary lion,’’ Thomas said. Animal welfare was always at the core of the zoo’s work, she said, and ‘‘these decisions are never easy’’.
The lions were born at Auckland Zoo and were turning 20 this August – very old for lions in human care. They arrived at Wellington Zoo with their sister, Djembe, in 2002. Wellington Zoo would look at starting a new pride of lions in the future.