Thanks for the correction, I confused her with her daughter Jarrah.
Was one of the two males from her 1999 litter - Maalo?Australasian African Lion Population
- Thread starter Zoofan15
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Was one of the two males from her 1999 litter - Maalo?
Thanks for the correction, I confused her with her daughter Jarrah.
To be fair, it’s an easy mistake to make when they all have J names (Jacqueline being the mother of Juliana, who was the mother of Jespah, who was the mother of Jarrah).
Yes, Jespah gave birth to Maalo and Jasiri in 1999. Jasiri was vasectomised and lived in a non-breeding pride with two lionesses at Dubbo (the sisters of Jambo at Taronga). Maalo sired two litters at Adelaide. Kiamba, Mlinzi and Makena are Maalo’s sole surviving descendants in the region (and of the Melbourne line).
Australasian Lion Study (Part 6)
Unaccounted Litters - Mogo
As mentioned by @Zoofan15, it’s entirely possible the three or four missing litters were born at Mogo Wildlife Park. Below is a list of candidates who may have produced a litter, although we have no evidence that any of these females actually bred.
Natal:
Currently, we do not have a confirmed natal female having bred at Mogo. However, these Mogo-born females spent sufficient time at the zoo after sexual maturity to have potentially produced a litter:
0.1 Jameila (1999/00)
0.1 Bingi (2001)
0.1 Cora (2005)
Jameila and Bingi were paired with the male Mac/Mercury (1998) at some stage during the 2000s, although he was most likely, at least, their half-brother.
Cora was transferred to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where she died in 2012. We have presumed that Cora was housed with her mother and brothers until her transfer, although this is not confirmed.
Singleton:
Narla (1996) was a prolific breeder at Mogo Wildlife Park. It is possible that she produced additional litters at Mogo; however, our research indicates that we have accounted for all of her offspring. As of 2005, she had produced 6 litters and it is most likely that she last bred in 2005 (also taking into account her age).
The only unaccounted-for singleton female at Mogo is Jahzara (2011), born at Monarto Safari Park. She was paired with the Taronga Western Plains Zoo-born male Baako, although died in 2018. It's possible that Jahzara could have produced a litter sired by Baako prior to her death, although there is no evidence to suggest that she did.
Cohort:
Claw (Unknown) produced at least two litters - she is the mother of Priscilla (1998), as well as (most likely) Levi and Leroy (1999). She underwent a hysterectomy in 2000/01, so it's unlikely that she bred again.
We know that there was at least one, possibly two, additional cohort breeding females at Mogo. It is likely that one of these females was the undetermined unsuccessful breeder, and if there were multiple breeding females, then one of these females could have easily produced an additional litter.
Unaccounted Litters - Mogo
As mentioned by @Zoofan15, it’s entirely possible the three or four missing litters were born at Mogo Wildlife Park. Below is a list of candidates who may have produced a litter, although we have no evidence that any of these females actually bred.
Natal:
Currently, we do not have a confirmed natal female having bred at Mogo. However, these Mogo-born females spent sufficient time at the zoo after sexual maturity to have potentially produced a litter:
0.1 Jameila (1999/00)
0.1 Bingi (2001)
0.1 Cora (2005)
Jameila and Bingi were paired with the male Mac/Mercury (1998) at some stage during the 2000s, although he was most likely, at least, their half-brother.
Cora was transferred to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where she died in 2012. We have presumed that Cora was housed with her mother and brothers until her transfer, although this is not confirmed.
Singleton:
Narla (1996) was a prolific breeder at Mogo Wildlife Park. It is possible that she produced additional litters at Mogo; however, our research indicates that we have accounted for all of her offspring. As of 2005, she had produced 6 litters and it is most likely that she last bred in 2005 (also taking into account her age).
The only unaccounted-for singleton female at Mogo is Jahzara (2011), born at Monarto Safari Park. She was paired with the Taronga Western Plains Zoo-born male Baako, although died in 2018. It's possible that Jahzara could have produced a litter sired by Baako prior to her death, although there is no evidence to suggest that she did.
Cohort:
Claw (Unknown) produced at least two litters - she is the mother of Priscilla (1998), as well as (most likely) Levi and Leroy (1999). She underwent a hysterectomy in 2000/01, so it's unlikely that she bred again.
We know that there was at least one, possibly two, additional cohort breeding females at Mogo. It is likely that one of these females was the undetermined unsuccessful breeder, and if there were multiple breeding females, then one of these females could have easily produced an additional litter.
Australasian Lion Study (Conclusion)
Conclusion:
That concludes our discussion of the research paper analysing the breeding success of the Australasian African lion population. Thank you to those who tuned in. It was an interesting topic that myself and @Abbey throughly enjoyed researching. It was exciting to uncover more information about the history of the region’s lions and both of us learnt a few things.
African lions have been held in the region since the 19th century. They were popular then and they’re popular now. Fortunately, this makes keeping track of the region’s living population a lot easier going forward; than researching zoo’s holdings from previous decades (especially prior to the Internet Age, where information is scarce).
As noted in my previous post, it was interesting to observe the phase out of several lines across our region’s main zoos throughout the 2000’s in favour of holding lions bred from freshly imported lines (with well documented heritage). In more recent years, the National Zoo and Mogo Wildlife Park have shifted their focus onto breeding from these lines versus continuing to breed with lions of unknown heritage or those containing the white lion gene (excluded from the ZAA breeding programme).
The National Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park hold seven elderly lions between them that descend from the Paradise Valley Springs pride (1.0 at the National Zoo; 3.3 at Orana). Neither facility intends to continue with this line and while the National Zoo is focussed on their new breeding pair (Mlinzi and Nairibi), I imagine Orana will receive new lions from accredited zoos within the region upon the passing of their last lions (though imports from outside the region would be my preference).
Conclusion:
That concludes our discussion of the research paper analysing the breeding success of the Australasian African lion population. Thank you to those who tuned in. It was an interesting topic that myself and @Abbey throughly enjoyed researching. It was exciting to uncover more information about the history of the region’s lions and both of us learnt a few things.
African lions have been held in the region since the 19th century. They were popular then and they’re popular now. Fortunately, this makes keeping track of the region’s living population a lot easier going forward; than researching zoo’s holdings from previous decades (especially prior to the Internet Age, where information is scarce).
As noted in my previous post, it was interesting to observe the phase out of several lines across our region’s main zoos throughout the 2000’s in favour of holding lions bred from freshly imported lines (with well documented heritage). In more recent years, the National Zoo and Mogo Wildlife Park have shifted their focus onto breeding from these lines versus continuing to breed with lions of unknown heritage or those containing the white lion gene (excluded from the ZAA breeding programme).
The National Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park hold seven elderly lions between them that descend from the Paradise Valley Springs pride (1.0 at the National Zoo; 3.3 at Orana). Neither facility intends to continue with this line and while the National Zoo is focussed on their new breeding pair (Mlinzi and Nairibi), I imagine Orana will receive new lions from accredited zoos within the region upon the passing of their last lions (though imports from outside the region would be my preference).
Maya at Taronga Zoo is 13 years old and will soon be post-reproductive (if not already). Fertility in lionesses seems to decline from around 10 years. I know of two lionesses that bred for the last time at 12 years - Jacqueline (1974) at Melbourne produced a single cub in 1986; and Susie (1986) at Paradise Valley produced a single cub in 1998.
I’d expect the three females born April 2022 at Dubbo to be the main source of conflict in their pride as they’ll all be evenly matched versus the lone female cub in the October 2023 litter, who will be smaller than her brothers. Conflicts have arisen in Paradise Valley’s pride and in Monarto’s pride, but in both those cases, the feuds were between aunts/nieces. Mother/daughters appear to have a more defined hierarchy.
I believe Auckland are happy maintaining a non-breeding pride of three lionesses. The only game changer could be (God forbid) something happens to one of Wellington’s males. A pairing between the surviving male and one of Nairibi’s daughters could prove a valuable pairing. They could even be split into prides of 1.2 at Auckland (non-breeding); and 1.1 at Wellington breeding, once Wellington expand their facilities.
Kiamba (2004-2024)
Some very sad news, despite Kiamba reaching a fantastic age. Her birth in January 2004 was much celebrated as Adelaide’s first litter of lions in 23 years; and indeed, they haven’t had a surviving litter in the 20 years that have followed (nor are likely to in the future; with plans to hold males).
Kiamba’s mother, Amani (who’s still alive to this day), was the second of Kura’s offspring to give birth; following on from Kuchani producing Johari and Asali at Taronga in August 2003. Kiamba and her offspring were also notable as being the descendants of the Melbourne line, which has otherwise since died out in the region.
———————————————
From Dubbo’s socials:
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is deeply saddened by the loss of elderly lioness Kiamba.
Kiamba turned 20 last month and had lived at the Zoo with fellow senior lionesses, 19-year-old sisters Tiombe and Zalika. The trio came to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in July 2019, from Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.
Keepers had noticed Kiamba slowing down over recent months, and in the past couple of weeks she experienced a sudden decline in her health.
Given Kiamba’s reduced quality of life and her advanced age, the decision was made to humanely euthanise her.
Kiamba was born at Adelaide Zoo in 2004, before moving to Monarto Safari Park in 2005. It was here she would meet sisters Tiombe and Zalika, and form what would become a lifelong friendship.
Kiamba was an amazing mother to three cubs, making an invaluable contribution to the regional breeding program for this vulnerable species. She was also a wonderful ambassador animal for her species.
With a name meaning ‘courageous’, Kiamba will be remembered fondly by her keepers as a feisty character with a lot of spunk.
Farewell Kiamba.
Some very sad news, despite Kiamba reaching a fantastic age. Her birth in January 2004 was much celebrated as Adelaide’s first litter of lions in 23 years; and indeed, they haven’t had a surviving litter in the 20 years that have followed (nor are likely to in the future; with plans to hold males).
Kiamba’s mother, Amani (who’s still alive to this day), was the second of Kura’s offspring to give birth; following on from Kuchani producing Johari and Asali at Taronga in August 2003. Kiamba and her offspring were also notable as being the descendants of the Melbourne line, which has otherwise since died out in the region.
———————————————
From Dubbo’s socials:
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is deeply saddened by the loss of elderly lioness Kiamba.
Kiamba turned 20 last month and had lived at the Zoo with fellow senior lionesses, 19-year-old sisters Tiombe and Zalika. The trio came to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in July 2019, from Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.
Keepers had noticed Kiamba slowing down over recent months, and in the past couple of weeks she experienced a sudden decline in her health.
Given Kiamba’s reduced quality of life and her advanced age, the decision was made to humanely euthanise her.
Kiamba was born at Adelaide Zoo in 2004, before moving to Monarto Safari Park in 2005. It was here she would meet sisters Tiombe and Zalika, and form what would become a lifelong friendship.
Kiamba was an amazing mother to three cubs, making an invaluable contribution to the regional breeding program for this vulnerable species. She was also a wonderful ambassador animal for her species.
With a name meaning ‘courageous’, Kiamba will be remembered fondly by her keepers as a feisty character with a lot of spunk.
Farewell Kiamba.
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I agree Kiamba reached a great age. Incredibly, her mother is still alive at Adelaide Zoo and will turn 23 in May.
Zalika and Tiombe will no doubt notice her absence. It’s possible Dubbo may have to make the difficult but kindest decision to euthanise the remaining lioness on welfare grounds when the time comes to euthanise the other. This has been undertaken with several elderly pairs within the region in recent years (Kura and Amira at Auckland; Zulu and Malik at Auckland; and Djane and Zhara at Wellington).
That's what I was thinking, whether we will see the same sort of double euthanasia scenario again. I would imagine that the zoo would be starting to think about it/if not already have a plan in place. Tho I wonder how the old girls would tolerate the movement of some of the new cubs over as companion animals.
Introducing any new lions to Zalika and Tiombe is out of the question. The natural social order is for females to remain in their natal pride and therefore unrelated females/cubs don’t immigrate into an existing pride of females. Adult females can be introduced to adult males, but it’s difficult to achieve this once the lionesses are no longer cycling and at their age, the risk of them being fatally injured would be too high for the zoo to even consider.
I will note an exception to the above being the combining of unrelated females at adolescence. This has been undertaken successfully at Auckland, Orana and Monarto over the past 25 years.
Sad news to hear. Twenty years of age is quite the achievement, and it's sad to see the last remaining known female descendant of the Melbourne pass.
Kiamba was the dominant female of the three girls and so her loss will almost surely be felt by the other two females. Interestingly, Zalika herself also turned 20 yesterday becoming one of just four lions in the country who are currently over two decades of age.
Surprisingly (considering she was the oldest), Kiamba was the lowest ranking in the pride. The fact Zalika, Tiombe and Kibira were from the same pride likely placed Kiamba at a disadvantage; and in any case, all four lionesses were born within three months of each other (so the age advantage would have been negligible).
Tiombe is the dominant female. Since her name means “Shy” and Zalika was older/larger; and Kibira more fiery, I would assume her being the first lioness to rear cubs in the pride elevated her status. As mentioned in the discussion of the lion reproduction study, all four lionesses were given the opportunity to breed, so it was really anyone’s game in the establishing years.
That's interesting to hear as I recall reading Kiamba being a very dominant female whilst Tiombe and Zalika were much less dominant. Potentially this was out of date info though; going back to when the Monarto pride was in its initial stages as I believe this was mentioned in an article when Tiombe had cubs.
In most cases the dominant females have first preference with mating, so if Kiamba and Tiombe were the two most dominant females at the time, it would make a lot of sense.
Kiamba was noted to be a fiery female (as was Kibira), but they weren’t dominant; while Tiombe and Zalika were more placid. The same was noticed with their respective littermates, Zulu (placid) and Malik (fiery). Auckland’s keepers noted Zulu and Malik’s personalities matched their mothers as Kura was a fiery, dominant lioness; while her daughter, Amira, was placid. In Zulu/Malik’s case, their personalities did influence the hierachy.
Had Kibira have bred, it wouldn’t have surprised me if she’d been the dominant female; but instead, Tiombe took the lead.
There’s an article here about the hierarchy from 2011:
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news...r/news-story/70983e8641be2de2c60bd963cd1797ac
Tiombe was the dominant female
Kiamba and Jahzara were the lowest ranking
Kibira and Zalika were in the middle (likely Kibira over Zalika)
Cycling can give females an advantage in the pride (albeit for the duration of the cycle). At Paradise Valley Spring’s Lion Park, the lions prowl the fence line in anticipation of feeding time. The males come right to the front, but if one of the lionesses are cycling, they’re permitted to enter this space.
Tam Skylonobi
Active Member
Judging by the topic, did this also mean that Tiombe was the dominant female of the elderly females at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo?
That’s correct. Tiombe remains the dominant female to this day. Particularly in pairs/small prides, the hierarchy appears to remain stable as the lions age.
Other examples include (dominant lion listed first):
Tonyi/Tombo (Werribee)
Kura/Amira/Sheeka (Auckland)
Malik/Zulu (Wellington/Auckland)
Amani/Yizi (Adelaide)
Djane/Djembe/Zhara (Wellington)
Kuchani/Asali (Taronga/Hunter Valley)
Tam Skylonobi
Active Member
Speaking of dominance, upon my visit to Sydney Zoo in December 2023, I have discovered that out of all the lions there, despite Karoo having the darkest mane out of his brothers, it was revealed that Virunga was actually the dominant male as he was the largest of the brothers that resided there.
Speaking of which, one of the zookeepers also revealed that usually in a coalition of males only, its the largest lion that is the dominant male. Whereas in a pride with females, its usually the male that has the darker mane is the dominant male.
Speaking of which, one of the zookeepers also revealed that usually in a coalition of males only, its the largest lion that is the dominant male. Whereas in a pride with females, its usually the male that has the darker mane is the dominant male.
Tam Skylonobi
Active Member
If that was the case then this would make Tiombe the Lioness Queen of Taronga Western Plains Zoo following Mlinzi's departure and not Kiamba.
Both the darkness of a male lion’s mane and its thickness correlate to testosterone levels. Lazarus and Ngala at Auckland Zoo were an interesting case, as they were introduced as cubs and so were quite different in appearance. Lazarus established himself as the alpha male early on. He was at least a month older, which gave him a size advantage and was more confident. There was a notable size difference between him and Ngala as adults and Lazarus has a much larger mane; though Ngala’s mane was darker. The lionesses respected Lazarus; but had less respect for Ngala, who struggled to dominate them when Lazarus was exported.
It stands to reason that size equals dominance, though unless the size difference is pronounced, personality would be equally influential. Zulu was a placid male born at Auckland Zoo in March 2004. He was larger than his half-brother, Malik, who was born a month later; but the more fiery Malik assumed the dominant role of the pair from early on.
Tonyi and Tombo were littermates, who had comparatively light coloured manes compared to other males in the region. They were very evenly matched (in terms of weight/size) and while Tombo initially established himself as the alpha male, he was overthrown by Tonyi after the lionesses were introduced.
Mlinzi never lived with the older female pride (Tiombe, Zalika and Kiamba) at Dubbo. They were transferred to Dubbo because they couldn’t be integrated with the young males brought in to breed with Tiombe and Kiamba’s daughters (Husani, Nia and Makena).
The plan was for Mlinzi to breed with one of the US females, but they were incompatible, so Mlinzi was transferred to Canberra and Lwazi was transferred from Taronga to Dubbo (to breed with Marion) after Maya at Taronga showed preference for Ato. Marion’s sister, Evelyn, transferred to Mogo, where she’s also bred.
Tam Skylonobi
Active Member
I am very well aware that Mlinzi actually lived with the Evelyn and Marion, instead of with the elder females (Kiamba being his mother). I considered him the King as he was the only male lion at the time after Lazarus's passing.