Taronga Western Plains Zoo Taronga Western Plains Zoo News 2025

[Zoofan15]

A cheetah cub has been born to female Siri. The female cub is currently being handraised and is the sole survivor from a litter of four following birthing complications - reported on their FB page.

Further information on Cheetah birth:

DOB: 22/02/2025.

Of the four cubs, two were stillborn; two critical. One died at six days of age of pneumonia. The remaining cub has now survived to 11 weeks.

Clearly medical interaction was needed to ensure their survival, but rejection of the single cub by the mother would have been inevitable as Siri wouldn’t have lactated for a single cub, thwarting reintroduction attempts.

Siri was a single cub herself (and hand raised following her birth in 2015). She was introduced to another handraised Cheetah Jelani (six months her junior) as an adolescent to hone her social skills (which clearly worked as evidenced by successful matings).

 

[Zoofan15]

African lion cubs now on display:

The 3.5 month old African lion cubs are now on display after being successfully introduced to their father and older siblings.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo now hold the largest integrated lion pride in Australasia:

1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018
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
1.0 Bahati (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Jabari (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Zawadi (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion

 

[Abbey]

African lion cubs now on display:

The 3.5 month old African lion cubs are now on display after being successfully introduced to their father and older siblings.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo now hold the largest integrated lion pride in Australasia:

1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018
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
1.0 Bahati (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Jabari (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Zawadi (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion

It's good to see Dubbo develop a large, integrated lion pride - especially because Lwazi and Marion were originally paired with other partners with whom they proved incompatible (Lwazi lost out to his brother Ato for being paired with Maya at Taronga; Marion was originally introduced to Mlinzi).

 

[Zoofan15]

It's good to see Dubbo develop a large, integrated lion pride - especially because Lwazi and Marion were originally paired with other partners with whom they proved incompatible (Lwazi lost out to his brother Ato for being paired with Maya at Taronga; Marion was originally introduced to Mlinzi).

Their exhibit will be a hive of activity with a breeding pair; their young adult offspring; their 20 month old adolescent offspring; and their latest litter of 3.5 month old cubs. It certainly would have been a complex introduction process, but the team have clearly successfully navigated their way through it and the result is a large integrated pride.

I’ll enjoy following the development of this pride over the months and years to come; but I’m guessing the long term plan is to split the young males (possibly with their father) into the second exhibit (previously occupied by the elderly trio of lionesses from Monarto). This would provide the opportunity to bring in new males to head up the pride of seven lionesses (Maya and her six daughters).

 

[Jambo]

I’ll enjoy following the development of this pride over the months and years to come; but I’m guessing the long term plan is to split the young males (possibly with their father) into the second exhibit (previously occupied by the elderly trio of lionesses from Monarto). This would provide the opportunity to bring in new males to head up the pride of seven lionesses (Maya and her six daughters).

This would have to occur quite soon though due to Marion's age.

Another possibility is they just allow the large group of 11 to remain cohesive in the long term if possible. However due to Marion's regional value, I would be quite surprised if some of her offspring aren't transferred out.

The problem is Lwazi's representation - the males realistically have no current viable options to pair with regionally besides Billabong's girls. The girls however would have a far better chance, with numerous options for potential mates regionally.

 

[Abbey]

Their exhibit will be a hive of activity with a breeding pair; their young adult offspring; their 20 month old adolescent offspring; and their latest litter of 3.5 month old cubs. It certainly would have been a complex introduction process, but the team have clearly successfully navigated their way through it and the result is a large integrated pride.

I’ll enjoy following the development of this pride over the months and years to come; but I’m guessing the long term plan is to split the young males (possibly with their father) into the second exhibit (previously occupied by the elderly trio of lionesses from Monarto). This would provide the opportunity to bring in new males to head up the pride of seven lionesses (Maya and her six daughters).

That seems straightforward to me. From the video, it seems like the integrated pride is in the exhibit which the Monarto lionesses were living in (the larger exhibit), and I suppose the other exhibit is empty, unless they alternate or have run of the entire complex. When I visited in January 2024, the Monarto girls were in the large exhibit and the family group in the smaller exhibit, as that was better for cubs, but maybe as the pride is now larger (and the Monarto girls have passed away), they have given them the larger exhibit anyway.

With Marion soon to turn eleven, it may be a challenge to introduce a new male - however, if the youngest male is separated along with his father and brothers when he is about 18 months old, it's possible. With the number of females, it would probably be ideal to integrate multiple males, similar to what Monarto has done.

The males at Sydney Zoo could be an option, who were born at Dubbo although are unrelated to Marion or her daughters (who are related to many of the other males in the region).

 

[Zoofan15]

This would have to occur quite soon though due to Marion's age.

Another possibility is they just allow the large group of 11 to remain cohesive in the long term if possible. However due to Marion's regional value, I would be quite surprised if some of her offspring aren't transferred out.

The problem is Lwazi's representation - the males realistically have no current viable options to pair with regionally besides Billabong's girls. The girls however would have a far better chance, with numerous options for potential mates regionally.

That seems straightforward to me. From the video, it seems like the integrated pride is in the exhibit which the Monarto lionesses were living in (the larger exhibit), and I suppose the other exhibit is empty, unless they alternate or have run of the entire complex. When I visited in January 2024, the Monarto girls were in the large exhibit and the family group in the smaller exhibit, as that was better for cubs, but maybe as the pride is now larger (and the Monarto girls have passed away), they have given them the larger exhibit anyway.

With Marion soon to turn eleven, it may be a challenge to introduce a new male - however, if the youngest male is separated along with his father and brothers when he is about 18 months old, it's possible. With the number of females, it would probably be ideal to integrate multiple males, similar to what Monarto has done.

The males at Sydney Zoo could be an option, who were born at Dubbo although are unrelated to Marion or her daughters (who are related to many of the other males in the region).

Some lionesses, especially those who have had litters later in life (reproductive system still active), have continued cycling into their early teens, so I’m hopeful there’d be opportunity to integrate Maya with a new male when she’s 12-13 years old (2026/2027). This would allow her youngest son time to transition out with his brothers and father.

Alternatively, the youngest male could be an ideal candidate for transferring to another zoo (and pairing with a female), given his genetic value via his maternal line.

 

[Jambo]

That seems straightforward to me. From the video, it seems like the integrated pride is in the exhibit which the Monarto lionesses were living in (the larger exhibit), and I suppose the other exhibit is empty, unless they alternate or have run of the entire complex. When I visited in January 2024, the Monarto girls were in the large exhibit and the family group in the smaller exhibit, as that was better for cubs, but maybe as the pride is now larger (and the Monarto girls have passed away), they have given them the larger exhibit anyway.

With Marion soon to turn eleven, it may be a challenge to introduce a new male - however, if the youngest male is separated along with his father and brothers when he is about 18 months old, it's possible. With the number of females, it would probably be ideal to integrate multiple males, similar to what Monarto has done.

The males at Sydney Zoo could be an option, who were born at Dubbo although are unrelated to Marion or her daughters (who are related to many of the other males in the region).

That's actually quite a good idea to integrate the three brothers from Sydney; although I do note their two other brothers are already in breeding situations at Mogo and Werribee.

In the scenario they do though - that would present the ideal opportunity to offload Lwazi and his sons as replacements; sending them across to Sydney.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's actually quite a good idea to integrate the three brothers from Sydney; although I do note their two other brothers are already in breeding situations at Mogo and Werribee.

In the scenario they do though - that would present the ideal opportunity to offload Lwazi and his sons as replacements; sending them across to Sydney.

They’d be ideal candidates demographically as seven lionesses would be too much for a single male lion to manage. A minimum of two (probably three males) would be needed to head up the next pride.

Otherwise, some new imports would be appreciated. The Lazarus/Maya line is becoming well represented; as is the Tonyi/Kura line which has been merged with other founders such as Lazarus and Nilo.

 

[steveroberts]

That's actually quite a good idea to integrate the three brothers from Sydney; although I do note their two other brothers are already in breeding situations at Mogo and Werribee.

In the scenario they do though - that would present the ideal opportunity to offload Lwazi and his sons as replacements; sending them across to Sydney.

Let them enjoy a hard earned and worked at successful lion family of 11 they've just achieved man, great achievement and work. Not quite the urgency right now for changes. 'Sleeping lions can lie' for a few more years before any big decisions. Though really do admire your long term planning and strategising heaps man.

 

[Jambo]

Let them enjoy a hard earned and worked at successful lion family of 11 they've just achieved man, great achievement and work. Not quite the urgency right now for changes. 'Sleeping lions can lie' for a few more years before any big decisions. Though really do admire your long term planning and strategising heaps man.

Yeah I do agree - it would be wonderful to see the group of 11 all on display together. This is certainly one of the biggest groups that we as a region have had in a long time, and Dubbo will present guests with a very rare opportunity to witness such a large pride in a zoological setting.

It was actually the idea of @Abbey - I was merely just expanding upon it. I do think a decision will certainly need to be sooner rather than later due to Marion’s age. If they want to continue maintaining a large pride with her, new males will have to be brought in soon. Otherwise breeding wise, Dubbo may very well elect to continue with just some of her daughters going forward.

 

[steveroberts]

Yeah I do agree - it would be wonderful to see the group of 11 all on display together. This is certainly one of the biggest groups that we as a region have had in a long time, and Dubbo will present guests with a very rare opportunity to witness such a large pride in a zoological setting.

It was actually the idea of @Abbey - I was merely just expanding upon it. I do think a decision will certainly need to be sooner rather than later due to Marion’s age. If they want to continue maintaining a large pride with her, new males will have to be brought in soon. Otherwise breeding wise, Dubbo may very well elect to continue with just some of her daughters going forward.

Yeah fair enough man, sorry and is actually a really good idea Abbey had, was the ''..would have to occur quite soon'' mention you wrote that was specifying. Think maybe (though could very well be mistaken, can be surprising too when some of zoos do end up acting on a decision actually quicker than expected, not always a slow trajectory hey) they will do something like that, and if the case then you and Abbey and Zoofan have called it before they do, but imagine they might have a few years of seeing how they go as a lion family unit of 11 (although maybe one or two are paired elsewhere over the next year or two), think the best approach in near future though is what you all suggested in terms of long term benefits.

 

[Jambo]

Yeah fair enough man, sorry and is actually a really good idea Abbey had, was the ''..would have to occur quite soon'' mention you wrote that was specifying. Think maybe (though could very well be mistaken, can be surprising too when some of zoos do end up acting on a decision actually quicker than expected, not always a slow trajectory hey) they will do something like that, and if the case then you and Abbey and Zoofan have called it before they do, but imagine they might have a few years of seeing how they go as a lion family unit of 11 (although maybe one or two are paired elsewhere over the next year or two), think the best approach in near future though is what you all suggested in terms of long term benefits.

I would be very surprised if Dubbo do end up separating the group soon. Having the large pride together; as a cohesive family unit is the goal that the team has been working hard to achieve.

In saying that, consideration will surely have to be put forward sooner rather than later in regards to the future of Dubbo's pride. I guess it all comes down to whether they want to continue with their large female pride going forward and build on that foundation.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would be very surprised if Dubbo do end up separating the group soon. Having the large pride together; as a cohesive family unit is the goal that the team has been working hard to achieve.

In saying that, consideration will surely have to be put forward sooner rather than later in regards to the future of Dubbo's pride. I guess it all comes down to whether they want to continue with their large female pride going forward and build on that foundation.

The thing to bear in mind in mind is that lionesses (especially during the adolescence/young adult phase of life) will inevitably have hierarchy disputes as the young lionesses coming through challenge those above them. There’s been many cases across the region where this has necessitated splits - Paradise Valley Springs, Monarto Safari Park and Taronga Western Plains Zoo have all experienced this in the past.

We can assume it’s the intention of Dubbo to maintain a cohesive pride of the seven lionesses at least long term, but it’s a possibility one or two could require removal from the pride.

 

[Jambo]

African lion cubs now on display:

The 3.5 month old African lion cubs are now on display after being successfully introduced to their father and older siblings.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo now hold the largest integrated lion pride in Australasia:

1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018
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
1.0 Bahati (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Jabari (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Zawadi (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion

Lion Groupings Update:

Bahati and Jabari were in fact not introduced to the young cubs. Marion and their older sisters were beginning to show signs that it was their time to go. So the main pride currently has nine lions, not eleven unfortunately.

Bahati and Jabari are currently on display in the larger, drive through exhibit with the rest of pride on display in the usual, smaller habitat which is specifically designed to accommodate the cubs.

 

[Zoofan15]

Lion Groupings Update:

Bahati and Jabari were in fact not introduced to the young cubs. Marion and their older sisters were beginning to show signs that it was their time to go. So the main pride currently has nine lions, not eleven unfortunately.

Bahati and Jabari are currently on display in the larger, drive through exhibit with the rest of pride on display in the usual, smaller habitat which is specifically designed to accommodate the cubs.

That’s a shame, though not unexpected given the young males are now 20 months old. One option Dubbo could have taken to maintain a cohesive pride long term would have been to have castrated the young males. Since this would have prohibited the future introduction of unrelated males, this suggests the long term plan is to bring in new males (potentially in the next few years).

Lwazi and Marion could retire somewhere together; or they could look at transferring out Lwazi and the male cub born in February if there’s confidence they could form a cohesive pair long term (potentially more volatile). If the former option was taken, the male cub would presumably head up a small female pride somewhere (like the male at Perth).

 

[Jambo]

That’s a shame, though not unexpected given the young males are now 20 months old. One option Dubbo could have taken to maintain a cohesive pride long term would have been to have castrated the young males. Since this would have prohibited the future introduction of unrelated males, this suggests the long term plan is to bring in new males (potentially in the next few years).

Lwazi and Marion could retire somewhere together; or they could look at transferring out Lwazi and the male cub born in February if there’s confidence they could form a cohesive pair long term (potentially more volatile). If the former option was taken, the male cub would presumably head up a small female pride somewhere (like the male at Perth).

From what I understand, there was more intolerance from the girls rather than Lwazi, so I do wonder whether castration would've helped in that situation.

Anyhow, now that they have been separated I do wonder what the plan is for them long term. Since they're not genetically valuable, I can certainly see them remaining in a bachelor pairing. Likely at Dubbo - unless a regional facility wants to take them on.

This does indeed put Dubbo in a good position to acquire additional males sooner rather than later. Dubbo has the space to accommodate Lwazi and this male cub if need be.

 

[Zoofan15]

From what I understand, there was more intolerance from the girls rather than Lwazi, so I do wonder whether castration would've helped in that situation.

Anyhow, now that they have been separated I do wonder what the plan is for them long term. Since they're not genetically valuable, I can certainly see them remaining in a bachelor pairing. Likely at Dubbo - unless a regional facility wants to take them on.

This does indeed put Dubbo in a good position to acquire additional males sooner rather than later. Dubbo has the space to accommodate Lwazi and this male cub if need be.

Orana have always used castration both as a population management technique and to produce conflicts in the pride. Adult males outrank adult females in lions society, so the adolescent males were presumably clashing with their young adult sisters they’d be expected to outrank had they remained in his pride into adulthood.

I agree a bachelor duo in the likely future of Dubbo’s adolescent males. Their breeding options are very limited within the region, so the best hope is one of the region’s small/regional zoos wishes to acquire more lions (several have ageing prides).

It’d be interesting to see how Dubbo manage this, but bringing in new males would allow multiple lionesses (probably two) to breed in the new pride, which would be great to see (mirroring the natural social order). Monarto has tried hard to achieve this over the last decade, sadly twice without success.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Siamang is back at Dubbo with the arrival of a six-year-old female Kasarna from the National Zoo and Aquarium. She will be paired with a young male soon, re-establishing the species once again at Dubbo - reported on their FB page.

 

[Osedax]

Siamang is back at Dubbo with the arrival of a six-year-old female Kasarna from the National Zoo and Aquarium. She will be paired with a young male soon, re-establishing the species once again at Dubbo - reported on their FB page.

Excellent news! It just didn't feel right without Siamang calls echoing through the zoo.