Euthanising of elderly sisters leaves zoo lionless
Two aging lionesses at Wellington Zoo have been put down due to health issues.
Djane and Zahra were euthanised yesterday, leaving the zoo with no lions.
Both animals had been monitored by animal care and veterinary staff over the past 18 months, however Djane’s health recently deteriorated.
“Djane had an emergency investigative procedure under general anaesthetic on Monday, where the team conducted numerous tests and gave her support care. 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,” animal care manager Jo Thomas said.
Djane’s 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.
Moving Zahra to another zoo was not an option due to her old age and the social dynamics of lions.
“Zahra would not be accepted into another pride of lions, and the stress caused by moving an elderly lion, as well as introducing her to other lions, would be irresponsible and dangerous to Zahra’s health and wellbeing.”
Djane and Zahra arrived at Wellington Zoo with their late sister, Djembe in April 2002. The sisters were born at Auckland Zoo and were set to turn 20 in August – a particularly good age for lions in human care.
“Just like senior domestic cats, elderly lions face the same agerelated health concerns, including renal disease, joint issues and are generally less active and sleep longer
. . . both lions had been showing signs of slowing down for a while.”
It had been a difficult day for Wellington Zoo staff, Thomas said.
“These lions have held a special place in our hearts and we know that our community loves our lions and will be equally sad to lose these beautiful animals.”
Wellington Zoo intended to start a new pride of lions in future, but not until a firm plan was in place.
“Lions have been part of the Wellington Zoo community since we first opened in 1906, when the zoo was gifted a male lion, King Dick.
“Lions have played a vital role in being advocates for their wild counterparts, and as a vulnerable species they have enabled us to share their important conservation story. While Wellington Zoo will be without lions for a while, in time we will look at welcoming a new pride to the zoo, so we can continue our conservation work with this iconic species.”
In the wild, lions are classified as vulnerable, due to human animal conflict.
Through the Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund, the zoo supports local and global conservation projects to save wildlife and wild places. Ten per cent from every Animal Experience goes to the fund.
— NZ Herald