Australasian African Lion Population

JAMEZY88 said:
FYI Jabari at Altina has passed.
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Altina Wildlife Park - Jabari (2005-2022)

His death reduces Altina’s holdings to 0.1 tawny lions and 2.2 white lions.

Jabari was born at Mogo Zoo to Lance and Narla on 26/03/2005. He leaves behind his mate, Mana, who was also born at Mogo Zoo in 2012; as well as Altina’s white lions.

Narla was born in 1996 and came to Mogo Zoo from Bullen’s Animal World in 1997. She had several cubs including Mujambi (littermate of Jabari), who is now at Adelaide Zoo. Narla died at Altina in 2015.
 
Article on breeding at Taronga/Dubbo:

Taronga posted an article a while back that details the introductions of Ato and Lwazi to their respective mates - Maya at Taronga; and Marion at Dubbo:

A Tail of Two Dads

A couple of notes of interest, that early on Ato demonstrated a strong interest in Maya versus his brother, who was apprehensive. Lwazi was transferred to Dubbo the month before the cubs were born, where he was successfully introduced to Marion for breeding.

It’s also noted that the cubs at Taronga were Maya’s fourth litter which was news to me as I only know of her 1.2 born 2015 and 4.0 born 2016. This would either be a mistake or a reference to a non surviving litter from when she was at Dubbo the zoo chose not to announce.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Article on breeding at Taronga/Dubbo:

Taronga posted an article a while back that details the introductions of Ato and Lwazi to their respective mates - Maya at Taronga; and Marion at Dubbo:

A Tail of Two Dads

A couple of notes of interest, that early on Ato demonstrated a strong interest in Maya versus his brother, who was apprehensive. Lwazi was transferred to Dubbo the month before the cubs were born, where he was successfully introduced to Marion for breeding.

It’s also noted that the cubs at Taronga were Maya’s fourth litter which was news to me as I only know of her 1.2 born 2015 and 4.0 born 2016. This would either be a mistake or a reference to a non surviving litter from when she was at Dubbo the zoo chose not to announce.
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It's possible Maya may have breed prior to her arrival in Australia. Females can birth as young as two; so if she delivered an initial litter which all died soon after birth, she could have easily conceived less than six months afterwards (shortly before her departure to Australia in 2014 at the age of three).

I doubt Dubbo breed Lazurus and Maya following the 2016 litter; but there's also the possibility a litter was born earlier in 2015 that didn't survive too.
 
Jambo said:
It's possible Maya may have breed prior to her arrival in Australia. Females can birth as young as two; so if she delivered an initial litter which all died soon after birth, she could have easily conceived less than six months afterwards (shortly before her departure to Australia in 2014 at the age of three).

I doubt Dubbo breed Lazurus and Maya following the 2016 litter; but there's also the possibility a litter was born earlier in 2015 that didn't survive too.
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Maya’s first litter was definitely the 2015 litter as articles made reference to her excellent maternal skills with regards to being a first time mother. They’d have no reason to gloss over the loss of a litter at another zoo, so this can be believed.

Subsequent articles refer to the 2016 litter as her second litter - which given the age gap seems reasonable.

Given the upheaval of the transition to the new exhibit around this time, I’d assume breeding was ceased and it was probably a typo.
 
Nisha said:
Perth finally has a new male Lion after a long wait. Male Jelani (born 2013) has been shipped over from Monarto. Hopefully cubs will follow at some point

The mane man
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Great news, they've been trying to obtain a male for years now.

Jelani's an okay choice, but is closely related to the females through his maternal grandfather (Lazurus) who's also the father of Makeba and Nzuri. It would've been much better to use one of the more valuable males from Billabong imo
 
Nisha said:
Perth finally has a new male Lion after a long wait. Male Jelani (born 2013) has been shipped over from Monarto. Hopefully cubs will follow at some point

The mane man
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I’m hoping this is a non breeding pair (Perth’s media release doesn’t clarify either way) as they’re closely related. Lazarus is the father of the females; and the grandfather of the male.

There’s no excuses for inbreeding when we have unrepresented founders in the region (imported males at Wellington and Shoalhaven) and they’re not difficult to import.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I’m hoping this is a non breeding pair (Perth’s media release doesn’t clarify either way) as they’re closely related. Lazarus is the father of the females; and the grandfather of the male.

There’s no excuses for inbreeding when we have unrepresented founders in the region (imported males at Wellington and Shoalhaven) and they’re not difficult to import.
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Correct they are not difficult to import and are available. The lions that were held at the now long gone Mareeba zoo near Cairns had a lot of imported Lions from the UK what happened to them?.
 
Zorro said:
Correct they are not difficult to import and are available. The lions that were held at the now long gone Mareeba zoo near Cairns had a lot of imported Lions from the UK what happened to them?.
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They were exported to Indonesia unfortunately. Their largest pride numbered around 15 lions from memory - consisting of a vasectomised male and several lionesses.

The majority of our lions descend from Kura (either Tonyi and Kura; or Lazarus and Kura) - so fresh imports need to be prioritised; as well as utilising the unrepresented founders we have. Billabong are sitting on 2.2 young lions, who are the first generation offspring of two founders.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I’m hoping this is a non breeding pair (Perth’s media release doesn’t clarify either way) as they’re closely related. Lazarus is the father of the females; and the grandfather of the male.

There’s no excuses for inbreeding when we have unrepresented founders in the region (imported males at Wellington and Shoalhaven) and they’re not difficult to import.
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Considering the immense representation of all three of these individuals, I think it’s likely they will indeed be a non breeding pride. Perth don’t have the facilities for cubs anyhow.
 
Jambo said:
Perth don’t have the facilities for cubs anyhow.
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Their current lion complex, which opened in 2018, was actually designed with breeding in mind and features cubbing dens etc.

The facility has the capacity to hold four adults and four cubs, so it was my assumption Perth would be receiving 2.0 lions and then breeding. It’s possible they still will, but hopefully not given they’d be inbreeding. The females also have two full brothers now in breeding prides.

Big Hopes for Big Cats
 
Monarto Safari Park - Update

Monarto Safari Park have confirmed the recent death of their eldest male lion, Inkosi. I suspected he may have passed since the transfer of his half-brother, Jelani, would have otherwise left him on his own.

With the transfer of Jelani to head up a non breeding pride at Perth Zoo, this reduces Monarto’s holdings to 5.7 lions - which are currently held in a cohesive pride (the largest in the region).

It’ll be interesting to see if they castrate the two young males to allow them to remain in the pride long term. They’re not genetically valuable, so it’d be worth considering.

1.0 Kashka (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kito (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kubwa (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Chikondi (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Zahara (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Chad (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Ruka (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Malika (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
 
Zoofan15 said:
Monarto Safari Park - Update

Monarto Safari Park have confirmed the recent death of their eldest male lion, Inkosi. I suspected he may have passed since the transfer of his half-brother, Jelani, would have otherwise left him on his own.

With the transfer of Jelani to head up a non breeding pride at Perth Zoo, this reduces Monarto’s holdings to 5.7 lions - which are currently held in a cohesive pride (the largest in the region).

It’ll be interesting to see if they castrate the two young males to allow them to remain in the pride long term. They’re not genetically valuable, so it’d be worth considering.

1.0 Kashka (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kito (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kubwa (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Chikondi (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Zahara (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Chad (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Ruka (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Malika (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
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Sad news re. Inkosi. He was fifteen, so was entering his elderly years. Ironically his arrival coincides with the arrival of a male Giraffe (also named Inkosi) from Perth in exchange for Jelani.

It would make sense to send Husani's three older girls into a non breeding situation somewhere. Adelaide has an elderly pair, which will be replaced once they pass (which'll be within the next few years) most likely with some of these Monarto cubs.

Considering Husani already six successful cubs, it would probably be a good idea to place her on contraception, at least for the time being and attempt to get cubs from Nia and Makena.
 
Jambo said:
Sad news re. Inkosi. He was fifteen, so was entering his elderly years. Ironically his arrival coincides with the arrival of a male Giraffe (also named Inkosi) from Perth in exchange for Jelani.

It would make sense to send Husani's three older girls into a non breeding situation somewhere. Adelaide has an elderly pair, which will be replaced once they pass (which'll be within the next few years) most likely with some of these Monarto cubs.

Considering Husani already six successful cubs, it would probably be a good idea to place her on contraception, at least for the time being and attempt to get cubs from Nia and Makena.
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Monarto are very proud to hold Australasia’s largest lion pride and are one of the few facilities with the capacity to do so. With this in mind, I’d say it’s likely females born into the pride will be retained long term.

When I last contacted the zoo, I was advised Makena was off contraception and Nia wouldn’t be breeding due to her previous reproductive failure (loss of her litter).

It would be preferable if Monarto could transfer out the males (while the older lionesses are still cycling). Then new males could be brought in with the intention of breeding them with one of Husani’s daughters (and Makena); while being accepted by the older lionesses. This was the plan last time, but they left it too late.
 
Zoofan15 said:
With the open range zoos managing larger breeding prides, I think we’ll largely see the city zoo focussing on holding small non breeding pairs/trios.

In addition to all holding non breeding prides - Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth now all have lions born within 3-4 years of each other (2013-2017) - meaning all four facilities will all be renewing their prides around the same time around a decade from now.

With regards to Perth’s females - the key developments since the announcement they’d be breeding was made in 2018 are the transfer of their younger brother to Werribee for breeding; their littermate siring 2.1 surviving cubs at Mogo; and their mother producing quintuplets at Taronga. As a founder, she was once considered genetically valuable - but is now becoming increasingly well represented.
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Auckland may wish to hold a breeding pride down the line with an expansion of the new exhibit or a completely new exhibit once their current females pass on (which could still be up to fifteen years away).

Melbourne and Sydney will certainly both maintain non breeding bachelor prides. Perth is really up to debate as they have the facilities to breed, but the size may not be considered suitable for one a decade down the line.

Sheru's transfer to Werribee was a little bit of a surprise for me; especially considering he could've easily remained in a bachelor pride with his brothers at Sydney, and comes from a well represented line. It would've been good for Werribee to receive a male from one of the private zoos, but after reviewing the list a lot of the young lions at those facilities are White Lions unfortunately.

I also doubt Maya will be breed from again. It's likely her, Ato and their cubs (maybe besides the males) will remain as a non breeding pride at Taronga for the foreseeable.
Zoofan15 said:
It would be preferable if Monarto could transfer out the males (while the older lionesses are still cycling). Then new males could be brought in with the intention of breeding them with one of Husani’s daughters (and Makena); while being accepted by the older lionesses. This was the plan last time, but they left it too late.
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The best option at the moment for new males is probably the Billabong males; but if Billabong aren't willing to give them up for one reason or another, the two young males at Taronga would do.
 
Kiara the lioness has died at ZooDoo aged 13 years:

From socials:

It is with great sadness that Zoodoo announces the passing of one of our most loved residents, Kiara the lioness.

Kiara came to Zoodoo at 6 months of age and was 13 years old when she died. She had such a regal presence and has awed hundreds of thousands of visitors during her time at Zoodoo.

Kiara is survived by our lion Bakari and lioness Malika, who are coping well with the loss of their pride mate.
 
African Lion Population - 2022/2023 Summary

2022 Summary:

Husani (2013) gave birth to her second litter of five cubs at Monarto Zoo in January. The 2.1 surviving cubs were named Chad, Ruka and Malika.

Chitwa (2012) gave birth to her second litter at Mogo Zoo in April. The single male cub was named Roc.

Marion (2014) gave birth to four cubs (three surviving) at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in April. The three females have been named Amali, Imani and Mara.

Mlinzi (2013) and Nairibi (2012) were transferred to the National Zoo in early 2022. They’re a genetically valuable pairing as Mlinzi is one of the last descendants of the Melbourne line; and Nairibi is a founder with no offspring in a breeding situation.

Sheru (2016) was transferred from Sydney’s bachelor pride to Werribee Open Range Zoo, where he’s joined lionesses Nilo (2012) and Asali (2016).

Deaths included Shumba (2001) and Jabu (2002) at Kamo; Kahn (2002) and Tua (2009) at Orana; Inkosi (2007) at Monarto; Jabari (2005) at Altina; and Kiara (2009) at ZooDoo.

Following the death of his half brother, Jelani transferred from Monarto to Perth to head up their non breeding pride.

2023 Summary:

I’m hopeful for births at Werribee (Sheru and Nilo), the National Zoo (Mlinzi and Sheru) and Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Lwazi and Evelyn).

Makena at Monarto has been off contraception for a while, but to date has failed to conceive.

The majority of the holders in the region have non breeding prides, many of which consist of elderly lions, so a few deaths next year are inevitable.

————————————

Please note: This summary will be followed next month by a full population list update.
 
Australasian African Lion Population 2023

New Zealand

Auckland Zoo:

0.3 lions in one pride:

0.1 Aziza (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi
0.1 Kibibi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi
0.1 Ilola (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo

Wellington Zoo:

2.0 lions in one pride:

1.0 Jelani (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark)
1.0 Sadiki (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark)

Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary:

7.6 lions in multiple prides:

0.1 Savannah (27/01/2001) Sampson x Shania
0.1 Shikira (23/02/2004) Imported 2004
1.0 Laduma (20/05/2004) Imported 2004
0.1 Amafu (20/05/2004) Imported 2004
0.1 Imvula (28/07/2004) Imported 2004
1.0 Abdullah (31/01/2006) Gandor x Shikira
0.1 Cleo (31/01/2006) Gandor x Shikira
1.0 Timba (11/12/2006) Laduma x Imvula
1.0 Themba (11/12/2006) Laduma x Imvula
1.0 Sabie (27/01/2007) Laduma x Amafu
1.0 Sibili (27/01/2007) Laduma x Amafu

Orana Wildlife Park:

3.3 lions in two prides:

0.1 Leah (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla
0.1 Meeka (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla
1.0 Mambila (04/01/2011) Malik x Mishka

0.1 Tama (16/06/2009) Malik x Mishka
1.0 Kairangi (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara
1.0 Tawhiri (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara

Paradise Valley Springs:

2.4 lions in one pride:

0.1 Luca (20/10/2004) Max x Ryo
0.1 Hana (05/03/2007) Zac x Luca
0.1 Bella (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana
1.0 Xander (20/09/2013) Max x Hana
1.0 Seb (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella
0.1 Sacha (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella

Pouakai Zoo:

1.2 lions in one pride:

1.0 Benji (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana
0.1 Ayla (21/02/2012) Max x Luca
0.1 Aleeka (21/02/2012) Max x Luca


Australia

Adelaide Zoo:

1.1 lions in one pride:

0.1 Amani (06/05/2001) Tonyi x Kura
1.0 Mujambi (26/03/2005) Lance x Narla

Altina Willdife Park:

2.3 lions in two prides:

0.1 Mana (09/08/2012) Mac x Snow

1.0 Holden (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
1.0 Kimba (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Elsa (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Neferity (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella

Billabong Zoo:

3.3 lions in two prides:

0.1 Misty (05/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa)
1.0 Milo (18/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa)
0.1 Kiros (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty
0.1 Nuru (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty
1.0 Zoraya (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

1.0 Amari (27/08/2018) Milo x Misty

Central Coast Zoo:

3.3 lions in one pride:

1.0 Zaire (00/00/2012)
0.1 Zimbi (00/00/2012)
1.0 Maasai (00/00/2013)
0.1 Nairobi (00/00/2013)
1.0 Hulk (00/00/2015)
0.1 Akita (00/00/2015)

Crocodylus Park:

2.0 lions in one pride:

1.0 Araali (13/08/2013) Bakari x Kiara
1.0 Zuri (13/08/2013) Bakari x Kiara

Darling Downs Zoo:

3.5 lions in three prides:

1.0 Shaka (21/07/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa)
0.1 Shenzi (06/08/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa)
0.1 Msichana (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi

0.1 Sahara (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila
1.0 Kwanza (12/11/2012) Shaka x Shenzi

0.1 Buffy (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila
0.1 Sassy (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila
Rotates being paired with:
1.0 Mal (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown

Hunter Valley Zoo:

1.3 lions in two prides:

0.1 Kuchani (06/05/2001) Tonyi x Kura
0.1 Asali (28/08/2003) Jambo x Kuchani

1.0 Kovu (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi
0.1 Nala (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi

Mansfield Zoo:

3.1 lions in two prides:

1.0 Rubani (24/05/2001) Fred x Sheba
0.1 Dalila (17/07/2003) Fred x Xena

1.0 Djuma (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow
1.0 Matimba (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow

Melbourne Zoo:

2.0 lions in one pride:

1.0 Zuberi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi
1.0 Ndidi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi

Mogo Zoo:

4.4 lions in three prides:

0.1 Snow (00/00/2004) Imported 2004 (South Africa)
1.0 Baako (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Chitwa (10/08/2014) Mac x Snow
1.0 Roc (00/04/2022) Baako x Chitwa

1.0 Mafuta (00/00/2006) Tim x Snow
0.1 Numbi (00/00/2006) Tim x Snow

1.0 Phoenix (23/12/2019) Baako x Chitwa
0.1 Maji (11/12/2020) Baako x Zuri

Monarto Safari Park:

5.7 lions in one pride:

0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
1.0 Kashka (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kito (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kubwa (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Chikondi (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Zahara (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Chad (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Ruka (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Malika (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani

National Zoo and Aquarium:

4.2 lions in three prides:

1.0 Marjan (04/06/02) Kimba x Millie
1.0 Sabi (04/06/02) Kimba x Millie

1.0 Jake (19/10/2007) Imported 2009 (South Africa)
0.1 Mischka (19/10/2007) Imported 2009 (South Africa)

1.0 Mlinzi (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Nairibi (15/02/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark)

Perth Zoo:

1.2 lions in two prides:

1.0 Jelani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe

0.1 Makeba (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Uzuri (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya

Shoalhaven Zoo:

4.2 lions in two prides:

1.0 Jabari (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara
1.0 Kibwana (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara
0.1 Gimbya (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara
0.1 Jaja (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara

1.0 Ariel (13/10/2018) Imported 2019 (South Africa)
1.0 Juda (13/10/2018) Imported 2019 (South Africa)

Sydney Zoo:

3.0 lions in one pride:

1.0 Bakari (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya
1.0 Karoo (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya
1.0 Virunga (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya

Taronga Zoo:

3.4 lions in one pride:

0.1 Maya (26/02/2011) Imported 2014 (South Africa)
1.0 Ato (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Khari (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya
1.0 Luzoko (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya
0.1 Ayanna (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya
0.1 Malika (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya
0.1 Zuri (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

1.8 lions in two prides:

0.1 Kiamba (21/01/2004) Maalo x Amani
0.1 Zalika (04/03/2004) Lazarus x Amira
0.1 Tiombe (18/04/2004) Lazarus x Kura

1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Evelyn (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
0.1 Amali (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Imani (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Mara (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion

Tasmania Zoo:

4.0 lions in one pride:

1.0 Megalou (15/07/2006) Tim x Bella
1.0 Timba (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow
1.0 Narky (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow
1.0 Vati (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.2 lions in one pride:

1.0 Sheru (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Nilo (17/03/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark)
0.1 Asali (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo

Zambi Wildlife Retreat:

1.5 lions in two prides:

1.0 Kovu (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena
0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown

0.1 Mali (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown

Zoodoo Zoo:

1.1 lions in two prides:

1.0 Bakari (31/07/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa)

0.1 Malika (09/10/2011) Fred x Irene

Total Australasian Population: 67.74 lions
 
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