Orana Wildlife Park Euthanizes Three Elderly Lions, Including Australasia’s Oldest
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Christchurch, New Zealand – Orana Wildlife Park announced today the humane euthanasia of three elderly lions – sisters Leah and meeka, aged 22, and Meeka’s son, Mambila, 15 – following months of declining health. The decision, described as “agonising” by park officials, comes after intensive veterinary care and monitoring revealed age-related ailments had significantly impacted the animals’ quality of life.
A Difficult Decision for a Beloved Family
The passing of the three lions is being deeply felt by staff at the Christchurch-based park.Chief Executive Rachel Haydon called it “a very sad day for our team,” emphasizing the difficult nature of the choice. “It is indeed with heavy hearts and much sadness we share the news of the passing…all due to age-related health concerns,” haydon stated.
The lions, who had spent their entire lives together at Orana, were under constant veterinary supervision for degenerative muscle atrophy, suspected arthritis, and incontinence. According to Dr. Tristan Kamps, Orana’s lead veterinarian from Rangiora Vet Center, the decision to euthanize the lions together was rooted in their inherent social needs.
“Lions are highly social and family-oriented animals,” Kamps explained. “Sisters Leah and Meeka lived their entire 22 years together, and Mambila shared a notably close bond with his mother. Prolonging the decision for one or more animals would have severely compromised their welfare beyond the degenerative issues they were already facing.” Kamps further noted that separating the lions or attempting to integrate them with the park’s remaining male pride would have posed significant risks to their wellbeing, given the species’ territorial nature.
Remarkable Longevity and Dedicated Care
Leah and Meeka were recognized as the oldest lions in the Australasia region at the time of their deaths, significantly exceeding the average lion lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Haydon attributed their longevity to the “remarkable care provided by our dedicated animal and veterinary teams.”
“Making these heartbreaking decisions is the most difficult part of what we do, but we must always prioritize the animal’s wellbeing and right to live with dignity,” she added. The park’s team had been closely monitoring the lions’ condition for months, ensuring they remained comfortable and received the best possible care.
Remembering Individual Personalities
Orana’s carnivore keepers fondly remembered the unique personalities of each lion. Leah was described as a “very vocal cat and a ‘real lioness'” in her demeanor, while Meeka was a fiercely protective mother, known to growl at visitors attempting to photograph her son. Mambila, affectionately nicknamed a “Mumma’s boy,” possessed a distinctive “squeaky roar” and rarely strayed far from his mother’s side.
“These lions were treasured members of our whānau,” Haydon said. “They will be deeply missed by everyone who cared for them throughout their lives and our community who enjoyed meeting them.” The park is providing support to its keepers as they navigate this loss.
Recent Welfare Scrutiny at Orana Wildlife Park
The announcement follows a period of increased scrutiny regarding animal welfare practices at Orana Wildlife Park. in July 2024, 1News reported on concerns raised by 20 current and former zoo workers regarding workload, staffing levels, and the overall treatment of animals. This prompted a full investigation by the Ministry for primary Industries, which resulted in multiple recommendations that the park has since accepted.
The park acknowledged the investigation and stated its commitment to continuous improvement in animal welfare standards. The loss of Leah, Meeka, and Mambila serves as a poignant reminder of the obligation inherent in caring for these majestic creatures and the difficult decisions that sometimes must be made to ensure their dignity and wellbeing.
