Australasian African Lion Population

[Zoofan15]

That is very sad news to hear. I was prepared for this moment seeing how Sabi was at an elderly age, and has outlived his littermates. It's a shame neither him or Marjan never had any offspring to continue their bloodline. May Prince Sabi rest in peace with his brother King Marjan, mother Queen Millie, father King Kimba and the rest of their ancestors.

Same here. He certainly reached an impressive age! Some of his ancestors/lineage at Paradise Valley Springs have reacted similar ages. His maternal uncle Max lived until 19; and his maternal grandmother Honey and maternal great aunt Suzie reached 22 and 23 years respectively.

The Paradise Park descendants in ZAA zoos haven’t been recommended for further breeding, which may explains Sabi not breeding in turn.

 

[Zoofan15]

Wellington Zoo - Sadiki Update

After confirming the growths found inside Sadiki were non-cancerous, the vet team have narrowed his condition down to two tentative diagnosis (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and Inflammatory Bowel Disease), both of which he’ll be treated for for the next 2-3 weeks. If he responds well to treatment, this indicates the diagnosis was successful.

Full report on socials.

 

[Jambo]

I thought it would be worth noting that Amali at Adelaide celebrated her twenty third birthday yesterday making her one of the oldest lions worldwide.

I believe she also may now be the regional longevity record holder for this species too!

She looks like she's still going well; hopefully she still has many years ahead of her.

Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on Instagram: "Happy 23rd birthday Amani! Keepers treated the feisty lioness to a birthday piñata of a different sort… with piñatas filled with different animal poo providing some smelly scent enrichment. In the wild, African Lions live up to approximately 14 years of age, so Amani and her companion Mujambi are well into their senior years. In fact, Amani is the oldest lioness in Australia! The dedication and care of our team has enabled both lions to live well beyond expectancy."

 

[Zoofan15]

I thought it would be worth noting that Amali at Adelaide celebrated her twenty third birthday yesterday making her one of the oldest lions worldwide.

I believe she also may now be the regional longevity record holder for this species too!

She looks like she's still going well; hopefully she still has many years ahead of her.

Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on Instagram: "Happy 23rd birthday Amani! Keepers treated the feisty lioness to a birthday piñata of a different sort… with piñatas filled with different animal poo providing some smelly scent enrichment. In the wild, African Lions live up to approximately 14 years of age, so Amani and her companion Mujambi are well into their senior years. In fact, Amani is the oldest lioness in Australia! The dedication and care of our team has enabled both lions to live well beyond expectancy."

It’s great to see Amani (formerly known as Kutaza at Auckland Zoo) reach this age. I believe she’s the eldest living individual of her species in Australia; with a lioness named Savannah at Kamo (born January 2001) still alive to my knowledge. They’re closely followed by Rubani (24/05/2001), who’s the region’s eldest living male lion.

With regards to a regional record, Suzy at Paradise Valley died aged 23 years, so would have been slightly older. @Steve Robinson may be able to advise of older lions.

 

[marmolady]

I visited Adelaide Zoo on the weekend and was pleased to see how well Amani is looking. It would not surprise me if she made it to 24.

 

[Zoofan15]

I thought it would be worth noting that Amali at Adelaide celebrated her twenty third birthday yesterday making her one of the oldest lions worldwide.

I believe she also may now be the regional longevity record holder for this species too!

She looks like she's still going well; hopefully she still has many years ahead of her.

Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on Instagram: "Happy 23rd birthday Amani! Keepers treated the feisty lioness to a birthday piñata of a different sort… with piñatas filled with different animal poo providing some smelly scent enrichment. In the wild, African Lions live up to approximately 14 years of age, so Amani and her companion Mujambi are well into their senior years. In fact, Amani is the oldest lioness in Australia! The dedication and care of our team has enabled both lions to live well beyond expectancy."

It’s great to see Amani (formerly known as Kutaza at Auckland Zoo) reach this age. I believe she’s the eldest living individual of her species in Australia; with a lioness named Savannah at Kamo (born January 2001) still alive to my knowledge. They’re closely followed by Rubani (24/05/2001), who’s the region’s eldest living male lion.

With regards to a regional record, Suzy at Paradise Valley died aged 23 years, so would have been slightly older. @Steve Robinson may be able to advise of older lions.

Just as a follow up, I see @Steve Robinson mentioned Rubani/Robbie’s sire (Fred) was close to 25 years when he passed away. He was born 1983 and died in 2008. Given his son is the currently the eldest living male lion in the region and turning 23 this month, that’s some great genes for longevity!

Luca (born October 2004) at Paradise Valley Springs has several long lived ancestors, so hopefully she too will reach early to mid-20’s.

 

[Tigergal]

Just a note around the lions at Billabong. They’re currently kept in two prides:
0.1 Misty (05/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa)
1.0 Amari (27/08/2018) Milo x Misty
0.1 Zoraya (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

1.0 Kiros (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty
0.1 Nuru (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

Zoraya and Kiros’ sex has been mixed on our population list, but Billabong has confirmed this is their current pride arrangement via my visit earlier in the week and again via email

 

[Zoofan15]

Just a note around the lions at Billabong. They’re currently kept in two prides:
0.1 Misty (05/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa)
1.0 Amari (27/08/2018) Milo x Misty
0.1 Zoraya (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

1.0 Kiros (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty
0.1 Nuru (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

Zoraya and Kiros’ sex has been mixed on our population list, but Billabong has confirmed this is their current pride arrangement via my visit earlier in the week and again via email

Thanks for following up. It’s a shame five of the most genetically valuable lions in the region are in non-breeding prides.

Shoalhaven are looking to import a lioness to pair with their founder male, so instead, Nuru could be transferred there and then Kiros paired with an Australian bred female/females from within the region. Werribee have often spoken about building a third exhibit; and more capacity would open up within the region within that timeframe as white lions pass.

 

[Abbey]

Just a note around the lions at Billabong. They’re currently kept in two prides:
0.1 Misty (05/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa)
1.0 Amari (27/08/2018) Milo x Misty
0.1 Zoraya (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

1.0 Kiros (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty
0.1 Nuru (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

Zoraya and Kiros’ sex has been mixed on our population list, but Billabong has confirmed this is their current pride arrangement via my visit earlier in the week and again via email

Thanks for following up. It’s a shame five of the most genetically valuable lions in the region are in non-breeding prides.

Shoalhaven are looking to import a lioness to pair with their founder male, so instead, Nuru could be transferred there and then Kiros paired with an Australian bred female/females from within the region. Werribee have often spoken about building a third exhibit; and more capacity would open up within the region within that timeframe as white lions pass.

Thanks for clarifying that. I visited in late April and saw 1.2 lions on display, so that would have been the first pride of Misty, Amari and Zoraya.

I agree that would be a win-win for Shoalhaven and Billabong to exchange lions in some way, given they both hold genetically valuable animals and breeding from Nuru would save the cost of an import of females.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for clarifying that. I visited in late April and saw 1.2 lions on display, so that would have been the first pride of Misty, Amari and Zoraya.

I agree that would be a win-win for Shoalhaven and Billabong to exchange lions in some way, given they both hold genetically valuable animals and breeding from Nuru would save the cost of an import of females.

Among our most genetically valuable lions in the region are:

Three unrepresented viable founders:

1.0 Jelani (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark)
1.0 Sadiki (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark)
1.0 Juda (13/10/2018) Imported 2019 (South Africa)

Four founders which have no representation other than their offspring:

0.1 Nairibi (15/02/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark)
0.1 Misty (05/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa)
0.1 Evelyn (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)

Mlinzi, who is a relic of the Melbourne line:

1.0 Mlinzi (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba

Milo and Misty’s first generation offspring:

1.0 Amari (27/08/2018) Milo x Misty
1.0 Zoraya (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty
0.1 Kiros (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty
0.1 Nuru (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty

 

[Zoofan15]

Wellington Zoo - Update on Sadiki

From socials:

We're thrilled to share that Sadiki is responding well to his current treatment and diet plans. He's gained 10 kilograms and is slowly getting his appetite back!

Although we don’t have a diagnosis yet, we suspect Sadiki’s illness has an autoimmune component, and we’re treating him with anti-inflammatories and a special diet.

Right now, our Vet team are considering a series of fecal transplants for Sadiki, using faeces from his healthy brother Jelani to help Sadiki’s gut microbiome. Fecal transplanting is a well-researched procedure that has been shown to improve the quality of a sick animal’s gut microbiome through absorbing good bacteria from another animal's gut. In other words, Sadiki would eat capsules filled with Jelani’s faeces to absorb all the good bacteria.

 

[Zoofan15]

Lion Transfer

Mogo’s non-breeding pride have been transferred to Hunter Valley:

0.1 Snow (2004) Imported 2004 (South Africa)
0.1 Chitwa (2014) Mac x Snow
1.0 Roc (2022) Baako x Chitwa

Reported by @Abbey in the Hunter Valley news thread.

 

[Zoofan15]

Mogo Wildlife Park Update

Mogo have finally announced the names of their litter, who were born late last year. The male twins have been named Duke and Kion.

Reported on socials.

 

[Zoofan15]

Lion Births (2024?)

World Lion Day is a week away and an obvious time for zoos to announce a litter of cubs (timing dependent). There’s been a growing trend of zoos announcing births of cubs at the neonate stage; while their first public appearance at 8-12 weeks was previously a more traditional age.

2023 was a spectacular year for lions births in the region - with five litters totalling 12 surviving cubs. For the first time, all three of Australia’s open range zoos welcomed cubs in one year. Consequently, many zoos with breeding prides are expected to take a break from breeding this year and it’s reasonable to expect a lull in births.

The two main hopes for cubs this year were Nairibi (2012) at the National Zoo and Asali (2017) at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Despite numerous matings being observed, it appears Nairibi has thus far failed to conceive; and Werribee’s keepers advised that the plan was for Asali to have a litter within 12 months of Nilo’s (born June 2023).

It would appear the last year no cubs were born across any of the facilities listed in this thread was 2008; with cubs born every year from 1998-2007; and every year from 2009-2023.

—————————————————————
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Non-breeding 2024:

The following facilities have related prides, same-sex prides or post-reproductive females:

Auckland Zoo
Wellington Zoo
Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary
Orana Wildlife Park
Pouakai Zoo
Adelaide Zoo
Altina Willdife Park
Billabong Zoo
Central Coast Zoo
Crocodylus Park
Hunter Valley Zoo
Mansfield Zoo
Melbourne Zoo
Perth Zoo
Shoalhaven Zoo
Sydney Zoo
Tasmania Zoo
Zambi Wildlife Retreat
Zoodoo Zoo

The following have breeding prides, but are at capacity:

Monarto Safari Park
Taronga Zoo

—————————————————————

Unlikely breeding 2024:

The following have lionesses in breeding prides that are 13 years old this year and likely post-reproductive:

Paradise Valley Springs
Darling Downs Zoo

The following are unlikely to breed due to their breeding lionesses having cubs in late 2023:

Mogo Zoo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo

—————————————————————

Possibly breeding 2024:

The intention was for these facilities to breed in 2024:

National Zoo and Aquarium
Werribee Open Range Zoo

—————————————————————
—————————————————————

 

[dylan downward]

I must be looking past it every time but what lions are currently at Werribee zoo

 

[Zoofan15]

I must be looking past it every time but what lions are currently at Werribee zoo

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

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
1.0 Jango (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo
1.0 Mwezi (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo
0.1 Kianga (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo

Long term Werribee are hoping to expand their lion facilities, which will hopefully enable further expansion of the pride. Nilo is coming to the end of her reproductive years; but Asali has plenty of years ahead of her.

 

[Jambo]

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

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
1.0 Jango (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo
1.0 Mwezi (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo
0.1 Kianga (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo

Long term Werribee are hoping to expand their lion facilities, which will hopefully enable further expansion of the pride. Nilo is coming to the end of her reproductive years; but Asali has plenty of years ahead of her.

Asali should hopefully have a litter of cubs soon! The plan was to conceive around a year after Nilo, which is usually what Werribee do as they only have the space for a single litter at a time (another reason for wanting to expand the current facilities).

Considering Sheru's genetic value, I wonder whether the best course will then be to move him into a bachelor group with his two sons and continue breeding from Asali, Kianga and any other female cubs with a new male going forward.

 

[Zoofan15]

Asali should hopefully have a litter of cubs soon! The plan was to conceive around a year after Nilo, which is usually what Werribee do as they only have the space for a single litter at a time (another reason for wanting to expand the current facilities).

Considering Sheru's genetic value, I wonder whether the best course will then be to move him into a bachelor group with his two sons and continue breeding from Asali, Kianga and any other female cubs with a new male going forward.

When I visited in November, I was told the plan was for Asali to produce cubs within a year, so the fact International Lion Day came and went without an announcement has me wondering if she’s back on contraception now that 12 month window has closed.

It’s unfortunate that with Nilo approaching the end of her reproductive years that introducing a new male will be a challenge. If she’s ceased cycling by then, another possibility is for her and Sheru to retire somewhere as a pair. It may be deemed desirable for him to remain in the pride until Asali’s eventual cubs are on the ground and even into adolescence before he transfers out to give any female cubs exposure to a male.

With the above in mind, the alternative is to fast track the transfer of Sheru and his sons out (skipping breeding from Asali altogether). A new male could then head up a pride of Nilo and her daughters by the summer of 2025.

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Western Plains Zoo - Zalika and Tiombe have died:

Some sad news from Taronga Western Plains Zoo tonight that Zalika and Tiombe have died, aged 20 years.

From socials:

Today we’re sharing the very sad news that we’ve bid farewell to our two elderly lionesses, Tiombe and Zalika.

Keepers noticed both lionesses slowing down in recent months, but in the past couple of weeks Tiombe experienced a sudden decline in her health. As a closely bonded pair and due to Zalika’s own age related health issues, the decision was made to humanely euthanise both lionesses, to ensure Tiombe and Zalika could pass away peacefully and with dignity.

—————————

On a personal level, I’m saddened to hear of the death of these two cats.

Zalika and Tiombe were born at Auckland Zoo in March and April of 2004 respectively. I have fond memories of visiting the zoo and seeing Zalika and her twin brother, Zulu on cub cam; and later seeing the integrated pride of 11 lions interacting on exhibit at Lion Hill. They remain the last litters of cubs born at Auckland Zoo, which has housed same sex prides for the past decade.

Zalika and Tiombe were the last survivors of their cohort:

1.0 Zulu (2004-2021) Lazarus x Amira
0.1 Zalika (2004-2024) Lazarus x Amira

1.0 Malik (2004-2021) Lazarus x Kura
1.0 Amari (2004-2005) Lazarus x Kura
0.1 Tiombe (2004-2024) Lazarus x Kura
0.1 Kibara (2004-2018) Lazarus x Kura

 

[Osedax]

Taronga Western Plains Zoo - Zalika and Tiombe have died:

Some sad news from Taronga Western Plains Zoo tonight that Zalika and Tiombe have died, aged 20 years.

From socials:

Today we’re sharing the very sad news that we’ve bid farewell to our two elderly lionesses, Tiombe and Zalika.

Keepers noticed both lionesses slowing down in recent months, but in the past couple of weeks Tiombe experienced a sudden decline in her health. As a closely bonded pair and due to Zalika’s own age related health issues, the decision was made to humanely euthanise both lionesses, to ensure Tiombe and Zalika could pass away peacefully and with dignity.

—————————

On a personal level, I’m saddened to hear of the death of these two cats.

Zalika and Tiombe were born at Auckland Zoo in March and April of 2004 respectively. I have fond memories of visiting the zoo and seeing Zalika and her twin brother, Zulu on cub cam; and later seeing the integrated pride of 11 lions interacting on exhibit at Lion Hill. They remain the last litters of cubs born at Auckland Zoo, which has housed same sex prides for the past decade.

Zalika and Tiombe were the last survivors of their cohort:

1.0 Zulu (2004-2021) Lazarus x Amira
0.1 Zalika (2004-2024) Lazarus x Amira

1.0 Malik (2004-2021) Lazarus x Kura
1.0 Amari (2004-2005) Lazarus x Kura
0.1 Tiombe (2004-2024) Lazarus x Kura
0.1 Kibara (2004-2018) Lazarus x Kura

So sad. They will be greatly missed.