Australasian African Lion Population

Tam Skylonobi said:
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.
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Hopefully he manages to conceive with Nairobi at National Zoo to continue the Melbourne line, although it's looking more dire as time goes on.

Nairobi herself is a twelve year old lioness (in her latter reproductive years), but I think the fact that she last had a litter seven years ago and has been on contraceptives pretty much ever since may be playing a significant part in her struggling to conceive with Mlinzi thus far.
 
Jambo said:
Hopefully he manages to conceive with Nairobi at National Zoo to continue the Melbourne line, although it's looking more dire as time goes on.

Nairobi herself is a twelve year old lioness (in her latter reproductive years), but I think the fact that she last had a litter seven years ago and has been on contraceptives pretty much ever since may be playing a significant part in her struggling to conceive with Mlinzi thus far.
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I feel like 2024 is now or never for Nairibi conceiving (given her age).

Kiara (1998) at Orana Wildlife Park produced a litter at 11 years of age in 2009, which was seven years after her previous litter in 2002; but attempts to breed with Priscilla (1998) in 2010 at just a year older were unsuccessful, six years after the birth of her previous litter in 2004.

Based on only a handful of other lionesses breeding for the final time at 12 years, it appears 11/12 is close to the upper age limit of reproduction (bearing in mind they’ll be the odd exception).
 
Seeing how Jelani is related to Uzuri and Makeba through Lazarus, it would have made more sense if he either he went to Dubbo and Lwazi to Perth Zoo or Mlinzi to Perth and him to Canberra as this would have given Perth Zoo the opportunity be able to breed their lionesses
 
Tam Skylonobi said:
Seeing how Jelani is related to Uzuri and Makeba through Lazarus, it would have made more sense if he either he went to Dubbo and Lwazi to Perth Zoo or Mlinzi to Perth and him to Canberra as this would have given Perth Zoo the opportunity be able to breed their lionesses
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Perth don't intend to breed their lionesses so that's why Jelani was selected as the male for their pride (he was living by himself at Monarto anyway at the time).

If Mlinzi and Nairobi don't work out in Canberra, I'd hope Mlinzi will be given the opportunity elsewhere; although it is difficult as the Auckland line has now spread significantly throughout the Australian population to the point where most individuals can be traced back to Tonyi/Tombo and Lazurus/Kura.
 
Tam Skylonobi said:
Seeing how Jelani is related to Uzuri and Makeba through Lazarus, it would have made more sense if he either he went to Dubbo and Lwazi to Perth Zoo or Mlinzi to Perth and him to Canberra as this would have given Perth Zoo the opportunity be able to breed their lionesses
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Despite the original plan being to bring in males for breeding (and having the space/facilities to breed), Perth are apparently happy to hold a non-breeding pride for now.

Uzuri and Makeba have two brothers that have now bred; with it mentioned Sydney Zoo plan to breed also. With this in mind, their line is well represented and bringing Jelani over allowed placement of a male that was otherwise left on his own following the death of his brother.

Mlinzi and Nairibi are one of the region’s most genetically valuable matches. Potentially Mlinzi and Jelani could swap if Nairibi fails to breed, but it could be tricky to introduce her to a new male if not cycling.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Despite the original plan being to bring in males for breeding (and having the space/facilities to breed), Perth are apparently happy to hold a non-breeding pride for now.

Uzuri and Makeba have two brothers that have now bred; with it mentioned Sydney Zoo plan to breed also. With this in mind, their line is well represented and bringing Jelani over allowed placement of a male that was otherwise left on his own following the death of his brother.

Mlinzi and Nairibi are one of the region’s most genetically valuable matches. Potentially Mlinzi and Jelani could swap if Nairibi fails to breed, but it could be tricky to introduce her to a new male if not cycling.
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Not sure if this would work practically. NZA have three lion exhibits - currently, Jake and Mishka the white lions have access to two of them, with Mlinzi and Nairibi in the other one. Essentially there's always an empty exhibit. Could NZA bring in two lionesses and introduce one or both to Mlinzi for mating, while he is primarily housed with Nairibi?

Alternatively, if she went back to Werribee, do you think that Nilo and Asali would accept her back into that pride? Other than that Nairibi is a proven mother and a founder, I find it a little strange that a valuable male was paired with an older female, when she could have stayed at Werribee.

At the same time, as far as I know Nilo and Nairibi are half-siblings, and none of her offspring are currently in breeding placements (although that could be remedied). It would be good to have her genes represented as a founder, especially as her current offspring are sired by Johari, who is a descendant of Kura.
 
Abbey said:
Alternatively, if she went back to Werribee, do you think that Nilo and Asali would accept her back into that pride? Other than that Nairibi is a proven mother and a founder, I find it a little strange that a valuable male was paired with an older female, when she could have stayed at Werribee.
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I'm not sure. I'd hesitate she might be accepted back, although there might be an issue with Sheru (the male) as he's never met her before.

Maybe it might work if Mlinzi and Nairobi were both sent over to Werribee, and Sheru transferred elsewhere with the intention being to breed Mlinzi with Asali.
 
Abbey said:
Not sure if this would work practically. NZA have three lion exhibits - currently, Jake and Mishka the white lions have access to two of them, with Mlinzi and Nairibi in the other one. Essentially there's always an empty exhibit. Could NZA bring in two lionesses and introduce one or both to Mlinzi for mating, while he is primarily housed with Nairibi?
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It’s a tricky one. It’s been documented in the wild that some coalitions of males oversee two or more prides of lionesses and in patrolling a large area, effectively rotate between them.

Within a captive setting and giving the risks of introducing big cats, it’d probably not be advisable. Within an established pair, a male lion is usually highly protective of his lioness and could even perceive the outsiders as a threat, leading to aggression upon introductions/reintroduction.
Abbey said:
Alternatively, if she went back to Werribee, do you think that Nilo and Asali would accept her back into that pride? Other than that Nairibi is a proven mother and a founder, I find it a little strange that a valuable male was paired with an older female, when she could have stayed at Werribee.

At the same time, as far as I know Nilo and Nairibi are half-siblings, and none of her offspring are currently in breeding placements (although that could be remedied). It would be good to have her genes represented as a founder, especially as her current offspring are sired by Johari, who is a descendant of Kura.
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Nilo and Asali wouldn’t recognise Nairibi now after their time spent apart, so this wouldn’t be possible unfortunately.

I would assume Nairibi got preference given she’s a genetically valuable female. None of her four offspring are in breeding situations versus Nilo, who has several offspring in breeding prides. Maintaining a mother/daughter combination at Werribee was obviously preferable and has given Asali experience with cubs prior to motherhood.
 
Abbey said:
Not sure if this would work practically. NZA have three lion exhibits - currently, Jake and Mishka the white lions have access to two of them, with Mlinzi and Nairibi in the other one. Essentially there's always an empty exhibit. Could NZA bring in two lionesses and introduce one or both to Mlinzi for mating, while he is primarily housed with Nairibi?

Alternatively, if she went back to Werribee, do you think that Nilo and Asali would accept her back into that pride? Other than that Nairibi is a proven mother and a founder, I find it a little strange that a valuable male was paired with an older female, when she could have stayed at Werribee.

At the same time, as far as I know Nilo and Nairibi are half-siblings, and none of her offspring are currently in breeding placements (although that could be remedied). It would be good to have her genes represented as a founder, especially as her current offspring are sired by Johari, who is a descendant of Kura.
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Jake and Mischka have two exhibits as they have a considerably smaller land area than Mlinzi and Nairibi’s. Additionally, Jake especially is a very well established lion, living 15/16 years in Canberra and would theoretically not react well to having half his territory taken away from him. Mlinzi was already very concerned with Jake’s proximity when he arrived.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Nilo and Asali wouldn’t recognise Nairibi now after their time spent apart, so this wouldn’t be possible unfortunately.

I would assume Nairibi got preference given she’s a genetically valuable female. None of her four offspring are in breeding situations versus Nilo, who has several offspring in breeding prides. Maintaining a mother/daughter combination at Werribee was obviously preferable and has given Asali experience with cubs prior to motherhood.
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That's a huge shame. Is there a reason for this?

I still hope Canberra will consider giving Mlinzi another chance elsewhere, although this will prove difficult with Nairobi's age. Introducing another male to her would have to happen sooner rather than later if that is the intention.
 
Jambo said:
That's a huge shame. Is there a reason for this?

I still hope Canberra will consider giving Mlinzi another chance elsewhere, although this will prove difficult with Nairobi's age. Introducing another male to her would have to happen sooner rather than later if that is the intention.
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Felids have a limited memory compared to species like apes and elephants, which can recognise individuals after decades of not seeing them. How long a lion’s memory lasts is difficult to say. When species like otters or meerkats have escaped/been stolen and have been out the group for more than a couple of weeks, there’s often a reluctance to integrate them back in with the group. I’d estimate a lion’s memory to be longer than a small carnivore, but not by much - maybe a couple of months tops, but certainly not 2.5 years.

Auckland Zoo’s imported their three lionesses from Werribee in September 2021. Since Nairibi’s absence at Werribee was first reported in December 2021, I’d assume she transferred out at the same time and the pride hierarchy would have changed beyond recognition in that time.

Prior to the four females leaving, Nilo was the dominant female; followed by Nairibi; followed by Nairibi’s daughters; followed by Nilo’s daughters. Taking out the middle four means Asali jumped straight to second place (third once Sheru joined); so not only would Nairibi not be recognised by her family, she’d have lost her place in the hierarchy.

Introducing a new male to Nairibi when she’s no longer reproductive age would be extremely challenging. Auckland Zoo managed to achieve this once; and so did Melbourne Zoo (with much difficulty), so it’s not impossible - but the split of Monarto’s pride proves there’s no guarantees.
 
Wellington Zoo Import Cancelled (2000’s)

Zoos work to restore pride - New Zealand News - NZ Herald

I was interested to come across this article discussing Wellington Zoo’s plans to import lions from South Africa, following the unexpected death of Mara in 2001 (contaminated meat saga):

Wellington Zoo is working with its counterpart in Auckland to bring new breeding stocks of lions to the capital.

Mara's death left male Sam with only the elderly 21-year-old Manta for company, and manager Alison Lash said yesterday work on bringing new lions from South Africa had begun.

"They [Auckland Zoo] are working on bringing in some new bloodlines, and we will try to work with them to renew our stock as well."

The lions mentioned were:

1.0 Sam (1988-2006)
0.1 Manta (1980-2002)
0.1 Mara (1987-2001)

Clearly Auckland Zoo proceeded with this import, importing Lazarus and Ngala in 2003; but instead Wellington Zoo received three young lionesses from Auckland Zoo. It would appear priority was given to providing Sam with company (Mara died a few months after this article was written).

The demographics of any imported lions aren’t stated, but since the plans seem to centre around Sam, I’d assume two females were a reasonable likelihood. From here they would have had the option to breed Sam with these lionesses; or put them on contraception, with the aim of sourcing more genetically valuable males after his death.

With Auckland Zoo importing 2.0 lions from South Africa, it would have been exciting to see the potential for exchanges had Wellington Zoo imported 0.2 lions (or any lions) that same year.
 
By any chance does anyone know the history of lions of both Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo over past years since their establishments?
 
Tam Skylonobi said:
By any chance does anyone know the history of lions of both Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo over past years since their establishments?
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Taronga Zoo:

Taronga has held lions since opening day in 1916.

In 1999, Taronga Zoo received 1.2 cubs from Mogo Zoo. The females were transferred to Dubbo (see below); while the male (Jambo) was paired with a female from Auckland Zoo named Kuchani. They produced 1.1 cubs in 2003 (Johari and Asali). After the departure of this family group in 2015, Taronga were without lions while the new exhibit in the African precinct opened 2020.

The current pride consists of Ato (2015), Maya (2011) and their 2.3 offspring:

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:

Dubbo received the following African lions circa 2002:

1.0 Jasiri (1999) Melbourne
0.1 Njeri (1999) Mogo (via Taronga)
0.1 Shiyanga (1999) Mogo (via Taronga)

This was a non-breeding pride (Jasiri was vasectomised).

Dubbo then imported a male from Auckland Zoo:

1.0 Lazarus (2002)

He was paired with a female named Kora from Mogo Zoo, who was killed by Lazarus the month they were introduced.

Dubbo then imported a lioness from South Africa:

0.1 Maya (2011)

Lazarus and Maya had 1.2 cubs in 2015 and 4.0 cubs in 2016. These have all been dispersed to other zoos.

Since the 2015 litter was noted to be Dubbo’s first, I believe the previous non-breeding pride were the first African lions held at Dubbo. Prior to this, they held Asiatic lions (later discovered to be hybrids), which transferred between Taronga and Dubbo.
 
Paradise Valley Springs update:

After more than a year since their birth, Paradise Valley Springs have finally given their cubs proper names - Fletcher (male) and Freyja (female).

With the departure of the previous litter (Seb and Sasha) to Poukai Zoo last year, it appears Freyja will be the next breeding female as Bella turns 13 years old in August.

0.1 Luca (20/10/2004) Max x Ryo
0.1 Bella (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana
1.0 Xander (20/09/2013) Max x Hana
1.0 Fletcher (18/12/2022) Xander x Bella
0.1 Freyja (18/12/2022) Xander x Bella
 
Wellington Zoo - Sadiki update:

From socials:

Sadiki has experienced digestive issues and a decreased interest in food for several weeks, leading to weight loss and nausea.

On Saturday, our Vets placed Sadiki under emergency general anaesthetic in his den to take another look at the problem and noticed a small area of abnormal intestine on the ultrasound.

The decision was made to operate on Sadiki on Monday after a specialist reviewed the ultrasound images taken on the weekend. A section of his lower intestine, where our Vets found a mass and excessive inflammation, was removed, and sent for testing.

Sadiki is back in his dens and recovering from his surgery. We’re keeping a close eye on him while we wait for the diagnostic results.

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It’s encouraging to hear the cause of Sadiki’s loss of appetite/weight loss has been discovered. I also commend Wellington Zoo on keeping us all updated (this is the third update now). Ideally the mass will prove benign given treatment options are limited, but I guess that’s what the diagnostic results will reveal. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
 
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Update

It was mentioned on socials that the entire pride, including the six month old triplets, are now on display in the larger Pridelands exhibit. What a sight to see all eight lions in this exhibit!

1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
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
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
 
Wellington Zoo - Sadiki Update:

It sounds promising so far. Fingers crossed for a long-term recovery.

From socials:

Good news for Sadiki!

Yesterday the Vets at Te Kōhanga The Nest received the fantastic news that the masses found in Sadiki’s intestines aren’t cancerous! It turns out that Sadiki has blood-filled masses in the walls of his intestines, also known as intramural haematomas.

Sadiki underwent surgery last week to remove the masses, and this removal is generally effective in curing them. However, there could still be a serious underlying cause and our Vet team is working with an Internal Medicine Specialist to try and find out how Sadiki developed the masses.

In the meantime, Sadiki is healing well and his appetite is returning to normal! He was reunited with Jelani yesterday and, as you can see, these brothers are thrilled to be back together!
 
Sabi (2002-2024)

I’m sad to advise that Sabi has passed away at the age of 21 years at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Sabi was born to Kimba and Millie as a litter of three males. His last surviving littermate (Marjan) died in 2023.

Sabi was the fourth oldest African lion in the region upon his death.

Oldest lions in Australasia:

0.1 Savannah (27/01/2001) Sampson x Shania
0.1 Amani (06/05/2001) Tonyi x Kura
1.0 Rubani (24/05/2001) Fred x Sheba
 
Zoofan15 said:
Sabi (2002-2024)

I’m sad to advise that Sabi has passed away at the age of 21 years at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Sabi was born to Kimba and Millie as a litter of three males. His last surviving littermate (Marjan) died in 2023.

Sabi was the fourth oldest African lion in the region upon his death.

Oldest lions in Australasia:

0.1 Savannah (27/01/2001) Sampson x Shania
0.1 Amani (06/05/2001) Tonyi x Kura
1.0 Rubani (24/05/2001) Fred x Sheba
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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.
 
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