Australasian African Lion Population

[Zoofan15]

African Lion Updates

Kovu (male white lion) at Hunter Valley Zoo has died. His sister Nala has been transferred to Altina Wildlife Park.

The populations and groupings of these two facilities (and Mogo Wildlife Park, who are Hunter Valley’s sister zoo) are as follows:

Altina Willdife Park:

1.0 Kimba (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Mana (09/08/2012) Mac x Snow

1.0 Holden (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Nala (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi

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

Hunter Valley Zoo:

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

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

Mogo Zoo:

1.0 Baako (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Evelyn (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
1.0 Duke (00/11/2023) Baako x Evelyn
1.0 Kion (00/11/2023) Baako x Evelyn

1.0 Mafuta (15/07/2006) Tim x Snow
0.1 Mnandi (15/07/2006) Tim x Snow

 

[Zoofan15]

Monaro Safari Park - Chad (2022-2025)

Some sad news from Monarto’s socials:

Zoos SA is heartbroken to share the passing of Chad, a much-loved lion at Monarto Safari Park.

At three and a half years old, Chad’s loss is sudden and deeply saddening. On Monday, his dedicated keepers noticed he wasn’t himself and he was brought into the night yards for observation. Veterinary testing revealed he was suffering from renal failure.

Despite swift action and expert care, Chad’s condition deteriorated. On Tuesday morning, after thorough assessment, the difficult decision was made to let Chad peacefully go to sleep.

These moments are never easy. But our duty of care is always to provide the very best welfare for the animals we’re privileged to care for and sometimes that means making the hardest, most compassionate choice.

Born at Monarto Safari Park in 2022, Chad was one of three cubs welcomed by lioness Husani. He was bold, curious and full of character, a favourite among keepers and a joy to all who visited.

 

[Zoofan15]

Monaro Safari Park - Chad (2022-2025)

Some sad news from Monarto’s socials:

Zoos SA is heartbroken to share the passing of Chad, a much-loved lion at Monarto Safari Park.

At three and a half years old, Chad’s loss is sudden and deeply saddening. On Monday, his dedicated keepers noticed he wasn’t himself and he was brought into the night yards for observation. Veterinary testing revealed he was suffering from renal failure.

Despite swift action and expert care, Chad’s condition deteriorated. On Tuesday morning, after thorough assessment, the difficult decision was made to let Chad peacefully go to sleep.

These moments are never easy. But our duty of care is always to provide the very best welfare for the animals we’re privileged to care for and sometimes that means making the hardest, most compassionate choice.

Born at Monarto Safari Park in 2022, Chad was one of three cubs welcomed by lioness Husani. He was bold, curious and full of character, a favourite among keepers and a joy to all who visited.

Chad lived in a pride of four with his 1.2 siblings:

1.0 Ruka (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Chikondi (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Zahara (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani

It was my opinion that four lions would have been too many for Adelaide’s new exhibit; but following Chad’s unfortunate passing, it would appear a strong possibility this trio will eventually transfer to Adelaide Zoo.

It stands to reason that Adelaide would want to bring in a young pride, who not only would be more adaptable to a new exhibit; but will have many years to form a connection with the general public as individuals (as opposed to the open range site, which manages a large pride). With this in mind, it’s my belief their other pride of three (the breeding males) will live out their lives at Monarto, irregardless of whether they’re reintegrated with the main pride of five lionesses and the 1.3 adolescents from Husani’s 2023 litter.

 

[Jambo]

Monaro Safari Park - Chad (2022-2025)

Some sad news from Monarto’s socials:

Zoos SA is heartbroken to share the passing of Chad, a much-loved lion at Monarto Safari Park.

At three and a half years old, Chad’s loss is sudden and deeply saddening. On Monday, his dedicated keepers noticed he wasn’t himself and he was brought into the night yards for observation. Veterinary testing revealed he was suffering from renal failure.

Despite swift action and expert care, Chad’s condition deteriorated. On Tuesday morning, after thorough assessment, the difficult decision was made to let Chad peacefully go to sleep.

These moments are never easy. But our duty of care is always to provide the very best welfare for the animals we’re privileged to care for and sometimes that means making the hardest, most compassionate choice.

Born at Monarto Safari Park in 2022, Chad was one of three cubs welcomed by lioness Husani. He was bold, curious and full of character, a favourite among keepers and a joy to all who visited.

Sad news to learn - Monarto haven't had the best of luck with their Lion pride. Just when it looked like things were looking bright, there's another blow, but overall things look to be progressing in the right direction.

I also agree that the remaining young trio will likely be transferred across to Adelaide in the future - although it's worth noting that that will still likely be years away as they haven't begun construction on the new African Oasis complex there as of yet.

In the meantime it looks like Adelaide have set themselves up well to swap out the younger male from the 2023 litter and acquire a new pride of 2 or 3 males to head up their large pride of eight females (hopefully!). Worst case the older trio of girls (Makena, Nia and Husani) might have to be separated, but a pride of five girls plus males would still be impressive nonetheless.

 

[Zoofan15]

Sad news to learn - Monarto haven't had the best of luck with their Lion pride. Just when it looked like things were looking bright, there's another blow, but overall things look to be progressing in the right direction.

I also agree that the remaining young trio will likely be transferred across to Adelaide in the future - although it's worth noting that that will still likely be years away as they haven't begun construction on the new African Oasis complex there as of yet.

In the meantime it looks like Adelaide have set themselves up well to swap out the younger male from the 2023 litter and acquire a new pride of 2 or 3 males to head up their large pride of eight females (hopefully!). Worst case the older trio of girls (Makena, Nia and Husani) might have to be separated, but a pride of five girls plus males would still be impressive nonetheless.

Monarto have sadly lost a number of cubs at the neonate, juvenile and adolescent phase since they began breeding in 2007; and have had a couple of stillborn litters as well including litters to Kiamba (who went on to have two surviving litters); and Nia (who was retired from breeding).

The greatest loss was that of Makena’s young cub, given it was her only offspring and she won’t be breeding again. She and her brother and the only surviving members of the Melbourne line, which looks set to die out in the region unless Mlinzi can be re-paired with a lioness long term (unlikely).

Monarto did have long term plans to reintroduce the three adult males to the main pride, but the female hierarchy has been unsettled with so many adolescents and young females entering the hierarchy. By the time the 2023 litter reach young adulthood (next year), they should have a clearer picture of whether the current main pride of eight females can remain cohesive long term and then reassess options of introducing males - either the three breeding males (which would be a non-breeding pride); or new breeding males (which would likely require the removal of the post-reproductive lionesses).

 

[Jambo]

Monarto have sadly lost a number of cubs at the neonate, juvenile and adolescent phase since they began breeding in 2007; and have had a couple of stillborn litters as well including litters to Kiamba (who went on to have two surviving litters); and Nia (who was retired from breeding).

The greatest loss was that of Makena’s young cub, given it was her only offspring and she won’t be breeding again. She and her brother and the only surviving members of the Melbourne line, which looks set to die out in the region unless Mlinzi can be re-paired with a lioness long term (unlikely).

Monarto did have long term plans to reintroduce the three adult males to the main pride, but the female hierarchy has been unsettled with so many adolescents and young females entering the hierarchy. By the time the 2023 litter reach young adulthood (next year), they should have a clearer picture of whether the current main pride of eight females can remain cohesive long term and then reassess options of introducing males - either the three breeding males (which would be a non-breeding pride); or new breeding males (which would likely require the removal of the post-reproductive lionesses).

It's a shame that Mlinzi has failed to breed with Nairobi. She was only ten when they were first introduced, so it's not like her age was the biggest barrier. Cubs from this pair would have been very valuable. Nairobi's four surviving cubs from her former litter at Werribee are all in non breeding situations, so I think we can expect the Melbourne males to be considered for breeding in the future.

I'd like to see Monarto continue breeding, so separating the older trio of girls with the older trio of boys might be the best option. That would allow the younger group of five females to be grouped with new males - but that would obviously rely on the hierarchy being settled amongst them.

I'd also hope that imports would be considered due to the growing relatedness of the regions breeding population of Lions. Aside from Billabong and Darling Downs, the other breeding facilities all have breeding animals descended from Werribee/Dubbo's former breeding pairs (Johari/Nilo and Lazurus/Maya).

 

[Zoofan15]

It's a shame that Mlinzi has failed to breed with Nairobi. She was only ten when they were first introduced, so it's not like her age was the biggest barrier. Cubs from this pair would have been very valuable. Nairobi's four surviving cubs from her former litter at Werribee are all in non breeding situations, so I think we can expect the Melbourne males to be considered for breeding in the future.

I'd like to see Monarto continue breeding, so separating the older trio of girls with the older trio of boys might be the best option. That would allow the younger group of five females to be grouped with new males - but that would obviously rely on the hierarchy being settled amongst them.

I'd also hope that imports would be considered due to the growing relatedness of the regions breeding population of Lions. Aside from Billabong and Darling Downs, the other breeding facilities all have breeding animals descended from Werribee/Dubbo's former breeding pairs (Johari/Nilo and Lazurus/Maya).

Multiple matings of Mlinzi and Nairibi have been observed, so my theory is that her fertility was impaired by being on contraception while at Werribee in her latter years there.

I agree it’s likely Nairibi’s sons at Melbourne will be prioritised for breeding in the coming years as Auckland are content to hold a non-breeding pride and her two daughters there turn now nine years this year. The only alternative I could have foreseen is combining with Wellington’s pride to hold a pride each of 1.1 (breeding) at Wellington; and 1.2 (non-breeding at Auckland). This may have been a non-starter from the beginning if Wellington’s males are related via their shared Danish ancestry. Wellington’s upgrades are a way off, so they’ll presumably wait until then and then import some lionesses to breed with their currently prime aged males.

 

[Jambo]

Multiple matings of Mlinzi and Nairibi have been observed, so my theory is that her fertility was impaired by being on contraception while at Werribee in her latter years there.

I agree it’s likely Nairibi’s sons at Melbourne will be prioritised for breeding in the coming years as Auckland are content to hold a non-breeding pride and her two daughters there turn now nine years this year. The only alternative I could have foreseen is combining with Wellington’s pride to hold a pride each of 1.1 (breeding) at Wellington; and 1.2 (non-breeding at Auckland). This may have been a non-starter from the beginning if Wellington’s males are related via their shared Danish ancestry. Wellington’s upgrades are a way off, so they’ll presumably wait until then and then import some lionesses to breed with their currently prime aged males.

Considering the Wellington males also came from Copenhagen (like Nilo and Nairobi), I'd also assume they're at least somewhat related. It's possible Wellington don't intend to breed from the males as a result, and are content with retaining them in a non breeding pair.

Otherwise if they are valuable, I'd much rather see them transferred out to an Australian facility to breed, where they could be swapped for ie. the younger pair of boys at Dubbo; the older trio of boys at Monarto.

 

[Zoofan15]

Considering the Wellington males also came from Copenhagen (like Nilo and Nairobi), I'd also assume they're at least somewhat related. It's possible Wellington don't intend to breed from the males as a result, and are content with retaining them in a non breeding pair.

Otherwise if they are valuable, I'd much rather see them transferred out to an Australian facility to breed, where they could be swapped for ie. the younger pair of boys at Dubbo; the older trio of boys at Monarto.

Wellington aren’t currently breeding as their facilities aren’t set up to manage multiple prides. When attempts to introduce their previous prides of 2.0 and 0.3 failed, one had to be held back of house in the dens, while the other was on display. An upgrade to their facilties (expanding into the old Cheetah exhibit) will enable them to receive lionesses and breed.

Sadiki (at Wellington) has health issues, so I’m assuming he’ll remain at Wellington for life, perhaps with his brother (the dominant male) breeding with imported lionesses in years to come.

Monarto will require a minimum of three males (or if they’re particularly dominant, two) to head up either pride of eight lionesses. Two would arguably be acceptable if the three older lionesses are taken out, reducing numbers to five lionesses.

 

[Jambo]

Wellington aren’t currently breeding as their facilities aren’t set up to manage multiple prides. When attempts to introduce their previous prides of 2.0 and 0.3 failed, one had to be held back of house in the dens, while the other was on display. An upgrade to their facilties (expanding into the old Cheetah exhibit) will enable them to receive lionesses and breed.

Sadiki (at Wellington) has health issues, so I’m assuming he’ll remain at Wellington for life, perhaps with his brother (the dominant male) breeding with imported lionesses in years to come.

Monarto will require a minimum of three males (or if they’re particularly dominant, two) to head up either pride of eight lionesses. Two would arguably be acceptable if the three older lionesses are taken out, reducing numbers to five lionesses.

It would be nice to see Wellington import if they wish to breed. If they are related to Nilo/Nairobi, they have little options regionally, maybe besides the Billabong girls, although they would only be able to acquire a single female from there which wouldn't work with two males.

If Monarto are planning to breed asap (with the larger pride of eight lionesses), they could consider acquiring the trio of boys at Sydney Zoo who are unrelated to the younger girls. However in the event the older girls have to be separated, a better option age wise for the younger five girls would be Duke and Kion at Mogo.

 

[Zoofan15]

If Monarto are planning to breed asap (with the larger pride of eight lionesses), they could consider acquiring the trio of boys at Sydney Zoo who are unrelated to the younger girls. However in the event the older girls have to be separated, a better option age wise for the younger five girls would be Duke and Kion at Mogo.

Demographically, the males at Sydney Zoo would be ideal. There’s three of them and they’re nine years old, so are fully mature with some experience behind them versus Duke and Kion, who are inexperienced adolescents and would struggle to assert dominance over Monarto’s lionesses for at least another couple of years.

Sydney and Mogo’s males are related to Monarto’s pride (we can expect the next cubs to come from the young females who are all daughters of Husani), but distantly; and the last breeding males/females were related, so we can’t rule out they’d inbred again:

Lazarus - Tiombe - Husani - Husani’s daughters
Lazarus - Sydney’s males
Lazarus - Baako - Duke and Kion

Imports of course would be even better!

 

[Jambo]

Demographically, the males at Sydney Zoo would be ideal. There’s three of them and they’re nine years old, so are fully mature with some experience behind them versus Duke and Kion, who are inexperienced adolescents and would struggle to assert dominance over Monarto’s lionesses for at least another couple of years.

Sydney and Mogo’s males are related to Monarto’s pride (we can expect the next cubs to come from the young females who are all daughters of Husani), but distantly; and the last breeding males/females were related, so we can’t rule out they’d inbred again:

Lazarus - Tiombe - Husani - Husani’s daughters
Lazarus - Sydney’s males
Lazarus - Baako - Duke and Kion

Imports of course would be even better!

I do note that Monarto's current males arrived at the age of three, so it's possible Duke and Kion could similarly be considered in a few years if Monarto decide to hold off breeding for another few years.

Another option is the two Shoalhaven boys, but I believe Shoalhaven intended to at least retain one male, which would ultimately rule them out.

Imports would be ideal at this point. At this point, due to the high degrees of relatedness in the regional population, small levels of inbreeding would be required to continue breeding unless a good amount of imports are to be made. Dubbo

 

[Zoofan15]

I do note that Monarto's current males arrived at the age of three, so it's possible Duke and Kion could similarly be considered in a few years if Monarto decide to hold off breeding for another few years.

Another option is the two Shoalhaven boys, but I believe Shoalhaven intended to at least retain one male, which would ultimately rule them out.

Imports would be ideal at this point. At this point, due to the high degrees of relatedness in the regional population, small levels of inbreeding would be required to continue breeding unless a good amount of imports are to be made. Dubbo

The three K males struggled to assert dominance over the older lionesses, which was as much to do with them no longer cycling as it was the young males inexperience; but either way, they would certainly wait until Duke and Kion were at least 3-4 years of age before attempting to integrate them with the lionesses.

Monarto may alternatively maintain a pride of eight lionesses for a number of years. They have just under a decade before the older members of the young cohort are in the same boat of being difficult to integrate with new males.

Shoalhaven plan to retain Juda for breeding (Ariel is non-viable for breeding). The original plan was to import a lioness, but due to the cost they were open to receiving one from within Australia. With so many zoos (Dubbo, Monarto etc) housing young prides with females prone to fallouts as they enter young adulthood, I have no doubt a lioness could easily be indentified in the coming years.

 

[Tam Skylonobi]

African Lion Updates

Kovu (male white lion) at Hunter Valley Zoo has died. His sister Nala has been transferred to Altina Wildlife Park.

The populations and groupings of these two facilities (and Mogo Wildlife Park, who are Hunter Valley’s sister zoo) are as follows:

Altina Willdife Park:

1.0 Kimba (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Mana (09/08/2012) Mac x Snow

1.0 Holden (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Nala (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi

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

Hunter Valley Zoo:

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

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

Mogo Zoo:

1.0 Baako (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Evelyn (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
1.0 Duke (00/11/2023) Baako x Evelyn
1.0 Kion (00/11/2023) Baako x Evelyn

1.0 Mafuta (15/07/2006) Tim x Snow
0.1 Mnandi (15/07/2006) Tim x Snow

African Lion Updates

Kovu (male white lion) at Hunter Valley Zoo has died. His sister Nala has been transferred to Altina Wildlife Park.

The populations and groupings of these two facilities (and Mogo Wildlife Park, who are Hunter Valley’s sister zoo) are as follows:

Altina Willdife Park:

1.0 Kimba (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Mana (09/08/2012) Mac x Snow

1.0 Holden (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella
0.1 Nala (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi

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

Hunter Valley Zoo:

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

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

Mogo Zoo:

1.0 Baako (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Evelyn (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
1.0 Duke (00/11/2023) Baako x Evelyn
1.0 Kion (00/11/2023) Baako x Evelyn

1.0 Mafuta (15/07/2006) Tim x Snow
0.1 Mnandi (15/07/2006) Tim x Snow

Omg that is so sad to hear, not only did we lose Chad, but now we also lost Kovu. I plan to go to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park for the first time in July, hearing about Kovu's passing just hits harder. Rest in Peace King Kovu.

 

[Nisha]

Considering the Wellington males also came from Copenhagen (like Nilo and Nairobi), I'd also assume they're at least somewhat related. It's possible Wellington don't intend to breed from the males as a result, and are content with retaining them in a non breeding pair.

Otherwise if they are valuable, I'd much rather see them transferred out to an Australian facility to breed, where they could be swapped for ie. the younger pair of boys at Dubbo; the older trio of boys at Monarto.

Nilo and Nairobi came from Givskud Zoo. Not Copenhagen. I don't know how closely related they are to the boys at Wellington. You'd need a studbook to find that out

 

[Zoofan15]

Nilo and Nairobi came from Givskud Zoo. Not Copenhagen. I don't know how closely related they are to the boys at Wellington. You'd need a studbook to find that out

With the lions all coming from Denmark, some shared ancestry is a possibility; but hopefully distant enough to enable genetically suitable pairings, especially a couple of generations in (Nilo’s grandchildren etc).

My preference remains however to see additional imports brought in. Monarto’s latest cubs are the result of pairings from lions descended from the same line, which was disappointing to see when the global captive population contains a wealth of founders, with wild lions continuing to join the population - a stark contrast to the Sumatran tiger captive population.

 

[Zoofan15]

Omg that is so sad to hear, not only did we lose Chad, but now we also lost Kovu. I plan to go to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park for the first time in July, hearing about Kovu's passing just hits harder. Rest in Peace King Kovu.

With Snow turning 21 years old at Hunter Valley Zoo; and Mogo’s sibling pair turning 19 years old next month, they’ll soon be no white lions left across their two collections. Roc is in an interesting situation as his only other pride mate is his 11 year old mother. She could well live for another a decade, but either way, there’s no scope for introducing additional lions to this pride until her passing.

Chad’s death is indeed unfortunate. The integration of Chad and Ruka with their sisters, who were outcasts from the main pride, offered all four lions increased social opportunities that were preferable to living in same-sex pairs. Presumably Ruka and the two females will continue to live together long term; and as I mentioned previously, are the obvious candidates to be transferred to Adelaide Zoo when the time comes.

 

[Zoofan15]

Darling Downs Zoo - Lion Cub Update

The cubs (Athena and Alexis) are both females.

The parents are Kwanza and Sassy. It was a surprise pregnancy as Kwanza had previously failed to breed any of the lionesses he was housed with.

Darling Downs Zoo is not intending to breed from Sassy again (or her sisters, Buffy and Sahara).

Darling Downs Zoo are currently fundraising to build a new multi-pride lion complex.

 

[Jambo]

Paradise Valley Springs:

3.6 lions in one pride:

0.1 Luca (20/10/2004) Max x Ryo
0.1 Hana (05/03/2007) Zac x Luca
1.0 Benji (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana
0.1 Bella (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana
0.1 Ayla (21/02/2012) Max x Luca
0.1 Aleeka (21/02/2012) Max x Luca
1.0 Xander (20/09/2013) Max x Hana
1.0 Unnamed (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella
0.1 Unnamed (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella

I was interested to discover that the original PVS pride that was established in the 1970's, were former retired circus Lions from Australia.

I'm intrigued as to their actual origins - Bullens seems like a likely bet considering the amount of Lions they seemingly had at their Lion park.

In any case, this pride has breed extremely well over the last 50 or so years, supplying many other zoos both regionally and in Australia with lions over the years.

Does anyone have any further info on the former PVS prides (individual transfers to other facilities ect.)?

 

[Zoofan15]

I was interested to discover that the original PVS pride that was established in the 1970's were former retired circus Lions from Australia.

I'm intrigued as to their actual origins - Bullens seems like a likely bet considering the amount of Lions they seemingly had at their Lion park.

In any case, this pride has breed extremely well over the last 50 or so years, supplying many other zoos both regionally and in Australia, with Lions.

Does anyone have any further info on the former PVS prides (individual transfers to other facilities ect.)?

That’s correct. What’s always interested me if that the founders were retired circus lions (implying they were quite old), yet the first cub wasn’t born at Paradise Valley Springs until 1986, which was a female named Suzie.

The founders were named Leo, Sheba and Cleo, Sheba was the mother of Suzie (1986) and Honey (1988); Cleo was the mother of Sam (1988). I don’t know if the next two litters, which were Jenny and Jade (1990) and Ruby (1992), were sired by Leo or Sam; but Sam sired the following litters Jake and Scarlett (1994) and Ryo (1995), from which the current pride descends.

It’d be interesting to know the origins of Leo, Sheba and Cleo; but I agree Bullens sounds likely.