I wasn't aware Pouakai Zoo were accredited, thanks for that info. I suppose titling my post with accredited zoos was my way of saying "I'm too lazy to research all the names and ages of the 'Zion' and 'Paradise Valley' lions!"
I'm not sure if Orana Wildlife Park are part of the African Lion breeding programme as their lions descend from Toby (an inbred Paradise male) and Kiara (a female from Bullens with unknown parentage). I get the impression that when Wellington lent them their males, Malik and Zulu, this was done as more of a favour (and because they vacated space at Wellington for rennovations to the lion exhibit), rather than any coordianted breeding move.
Either way, Auckland and Wellington's females are now post reproductive and Orana has limited breeding options. Priscilla and Mishka are now post reproductive and Leah and Meeka will be post reproductive as of 2017. This leaves just Tua and Tama (born 2009). Their options are limited as Wellington's males are related to them: Malik (father) and Zulu (cousin) and Orana's males (also related) are castrated. I guess their only options would be to loan Poukai's male (an inbred but more distant relation), acquire a male from an unaccredited zoo (Zion or Paradise Valley), import a new male from an overseas accredited zoo or phase out their two prides and start again with lions that can contribute/participate in the breeding programme. This to me would seem the best option. The first pride (Priscilla, Ra, Leah, Meeka, Mambilla and Masai) is essentially non reproductive as the males are castrated and the females will all be post reproductive as of next year.
