Australasian African Lion Population

Information on Darling Downs Zoo’s new cub:

Darling Downs Zoo have bred an impressive 22 lions.

From socials:

Caesar was born on the 7th August after an emergency caesarian.

Mum, Sassy, surprised us when we started seeing signs of pregnancy. At 13 years old, we had given up believing she would give us our 4th generation of lions but she did. Our first breeding lioness was Sassy's great, great-grandmother & Caesar is the 22nd lion we have bred.

It is such a relief that we now have the next generation.
 
Orana Wildlife Park - Tama (2009-2024)

Some sad news from Orana Wildlife Park that Tama has died, aged 15 years.

Tama’s death reduces Orana’s lion population to 3.2 - held in three prides:

Priscilla’s pride:

0.1 Leah (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla

0.1 Meeka (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla
1.0 Mambila (04/01/2011) Malik x Meeka

Kiara’s pride:

1.0 Kairangi (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara
1.0 Tawhiri (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara
 
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Zoofan15 said:
Orana Wildlife Park - Tama (2009-2024)

Some sad news from Orana Wildlife Park that Tama has died, aged 15 years.

Tama’s death reduces Orana’s lion population to 3.2 - held in three prides:

Priscilla’s pride:

0.1 Leah (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla

0.1 Meeka (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla
1.0 Mambila (04/01/2011) Malik x Meeka

Kiara’s pride:

1.0 Kairangi (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara
1.0 Tawhiri (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara
Click to expand...
Any plans for future breeding?

Getting new female/s once Meeka passes to pair with Mambila seems to be the best option going forward.
 
Jambo said:
Any plans for future breeding?

Getting new female/s once Meeka passes to pair with Mambila seems to be the best option going forward.
Click to expand...

The prides are non-breeding as all the males (including Mambila) are castrated. Leah and Meeka have both grown manes in their old age (interestingly, so did their mother and grandmother); so it was a curious sight on my last visit seeing what looked like massive female lions and tiny males!

I was told the plan is to allow the prides to live out their lives and then bring in new lions. In addition to the Lion Reserve, which consists of two large exhibits (3 acres and 1.5 acres in size); there is an off display exhibit, so plenty of capacity to hold a minimum of one breeding pride. I was always impressed by Orana running two breeding prides headed up by Priscilla and Kiara; though I think going forward that one breeding pride and one non-breeding is the most likely eventuality.

It’s likely in my opinion Orana will import young lions from Australia - probably Monarto, who were managing their large pride in multiple groupings last I heard.
 
Paradise Valley Springs - Birth Announcement

Paradise Valley Springs have announced the birth of two lion cubs. The cubs were born November 4 to Xander and Bella.

As yet, the total cubs born 2024 is reported as three in the region, with these cubs following on from the announcement Caesar was born August 7, 2024 at Darling Downs Zoo.

Interestingly the mothers of both litters, Sassy and Bella, turned 13 last year - an impressive age to still be producing cubs.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Zambi Wildlife Retreat:

1.0 Kovu (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena
0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown

0.1 Mali (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Kibulu (details unknown)
Click to expand...

Zambi Update/Additional Information

A lioness named Jaya died July 2024, two months after a lion named Masai died. They were born 27/09/2003.

Kibulu and Mali were both born 02/07/2014, but they’re not siblings. Zambi’s socials state they came from opposite ends of the country. Through further research I see Mali was a littermate of Mal (at Darling Downs Zoo). These two (along with a third male littermate named Nathan) were hand raised by Ben Britton (Wild Animal Encounters in Western Sydney).

According to socials, Zambi also have Kibulu’s brother, Njaro (2012).

1.3 young lions were living together in a pride in 2018: Kibulu, Mali, Sukari and Zambi. It’s unclear if this quartet remain together; or whether Sukari and Zambi now live with Njaro (and Kiburi and Mali as a pair). Zambi and Sukari are sisters and older than Kibulu and Mali.

Mayzie and Kiara were both alive as of August 2024. There were numerous posts about them throughout 2024, none of which mentioned their exhibit mate Kovu. I’m assuming he’s passed on.

Revised population:

0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena
0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Njaro (00/00/2012) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Kibulu (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Mali (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown

Full updated population list coming soon.
 
Orana Wildlife Park - Leah and Meeka Turn 21

Leah and Meeka at Orana Wildlife Park have reached the notable milestone of 21 years. They’re the only members of Orana’s current two prides (known as Priscilla’s pride and Kiara’s pride) to attain this age.

Leah and Meeka have each grown a mane in their senior years (associated with hormone changes). Interestingly, so too did their mother (Priscilla) and grandmother (Claw).

From socials:

A roarsome Happy Birthday to our gracious queens Meeka and Leah who turned 21 today (in human years they would be 100yrs old!).

They may be “old ladies” but they are both super sassy and are cubs at heart; Meeka likes to play fight in the morning with her son Mambila - especially if she can manage to trip him up! However she is very protective of him, if anyone tries to take a photo she will give a wee growl, Leah is the loudest of the two and lets everyone know she is in charge and always gets the last roar in the dens.

They were treated to a few surprises in their present and cake this morning in front of our team and a few lucky visitors. If you look closely you’ll see their 21st keys in the background which have been signed by our team These gracious old ladies have grown beautiful flowing manes in their old age which we think really adds to their personality!
 
Zoofan15 said:
Paradise Valley Springs - Birth Announcement

Paradise Valley Springs have announced the birth of two lion cubs. The cubs were born November 4 to Xander and Bella.

As yet, the total cubs born 2024 is reported as three in the region, with these cubs following on from the announcement Caesar was born August 7, 2024 at Darling Downs Zoo.

Interestingly the mothers of both litters, Sassy and Bella, turned 13 last year - an impressive age to still be producing cubs.
Click to expand...

Paradise Valley Springs - Cubs Sexed

The two cubs at Paradise Valley Springs have been sexed as 1.1, bringing their pride to 3.4 lions.

Another update that the December 2022 litter were officially named Fletcher and Freyja after being nicknamed Munchkin and Missy for their first year.

The oldest lion in their pride is Luca, who turns 21 years old in October 2025 and is the great-grandmother of these cubs.

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
1.0 Unnamed (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
0.1 Unnamed (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
 
Australasian African Lion Population (2025)

2024 was a quiet year for births, with only three cubs announced so far - 1.0 at Darling Downs Zoo in August; and 1.1 at Paradise Valley Springs in November. There were several deaths of elderly lions, including Amani and Mujambi at Adelaide Zoo, which has left Adelaide Zoo without lions. A new exhibit is planned for the future, but will be several years away.

2025 looks set to be another quiet year with the vast majority of the facilities in this list holding non-breeding prides. Based on the dates of their last litters, the most realistic hope for cubs this year would be from Evelyn at Mogo Wildlife Park and Marion at Taronga Western Plains Zoo; though I note this would be subject to breeding recommendations and the intention of these facilities to expand their prides.

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New Zealand

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Aziza (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi
0.1 Kibibi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi
0.1 Ilola (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo

Wellington Zoo:

1.0 Jelani (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark)
1.0 Sadiki (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark)

Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary:

0.1 Savannah (27/01/2001) Sampson x Shania

0.1 Shikira (23/02/2004) Imported 2004

1.0 Laduma (20/05/2004) Imported 2004
0.1 Amafu (20/05/2004) Imported 2004
0.1 Imvula (28/07/2004) Imported 2004

1.0 Abdullah (31/01/2006) Gandor x Shikira

0.1 Cleo (31/01/2006) Gandor x Shikira

1.0 Timba (11/12/2006) Laduma x Imvula
1.0 Themba (11/12/2006) Laduma x Imvula

1.0 Sabie (27/01/2007) Laduma x Amafu
1.0 Sibili (27/01/2007) Laduma x Amafu

Orana Wildlife Park:

0.1 Leah (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla

0.1 Meeka (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla
1.0 Mambila (04/01/2011) Malik x Mishka

1.0 Kairangi (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara
1.0 Tawhiri (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara

Paradise Valley Springs:

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
1.0 Unnamed (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
0.1 Unnamed (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella

Pouakai Zoo:

1.0 Benji (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 Seb (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella
0.1 Sacha (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella

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Australia

Altina Willdife Park:

0.1 Mana (09/08/2012) Mac x Snow

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

Billabong Zoo:

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

Central Coast Zoo:

1.0 Zaire (00/00/2012)
0.1 Zimbi (00/00/2012)
1.0 Maasai (00/00/2013)
0.1 Nairobi (00/00/2013)
1.0 Hulk (00/00/2015)
0.1 Akita (00/00/2015)

Crocodylus Park:

1.0 Araali (13/08/2013) Bakari x Kiara
1.0 Zuri (13/08/2013) Bakari x Kiara

Darling Downs Zoo:

1.0 Shaka (21/07/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa)
0.1 Shenzi (06/08/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa)
0.1 Msichana (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi

0.1 Sahara (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila
1.0 Kwanza (12/11/2012) Shaka x Shenzi

1.0 Mal (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Buffy (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila
0.1 Sassy (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila

1.0 Caesar 07/08/2024 Mal x Sassy

Hunter Valley Zoo:

1.0 Kovu (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi
0.1 Nala (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi

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

Mansfield Zoo:

1.0 Rubani (24/05/2001) Fred x Sheba

1.0 Djuma (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow
1.0 Matimba (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow

Melbourne Zoo:

1.0 Zuberi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi
1.0 Ndidi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi

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

Monarto Safari Park:

1.0 Kashka (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kito (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kubwa (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo

1.0 Chad (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Ruka (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani

0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Malika (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Bahati (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Mshindi (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Lela (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Kadija (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani

0.1 Chikondi (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Zahara (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani

National Zoo and Aquarium:

1.0 Jake (19/10/2007) Imported 2009 (South Africa)
0.1 Mischka (19/10/2007) Imported 2009 (South Africa)

1.0 Mlinzi (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Nairibi (15/02/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark)

Perth Zoo:

1.0 Jelani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makeba (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Uzuri (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya

Shoalhaven Zoo:

1.0 Jabari (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara
1.0 Kibwana (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara
0.1 Gimbya (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara
0.1 Jaja (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara

1.0 Ariel (13/10/2018) Imported 2019 (South Africa)
1.0 Juda (13/10/2018) Imported 2019 (South Africa)

Sydney Zoo:

1.0 Bakari (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya
1.0 Karoo (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya
1.0 Virunga (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya

Taronga Zoo:

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:

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

Tasmania Zoo:

1.0 Megalou (15/07/2006) Tim x Bella
1.0 Timba (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow
1.0 Narky (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow

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

Zambi Wildlife Retreat:

0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena
0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown

1.0 Njaro (00/00/2012) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown

1.0 Kibulu (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Mali (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown

Zoodoo Zoo:

1.0 Bakari (31/07/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa)

0.1 Malika (09/10/2011) Fred x Irene

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Total Australasian Population: 72.71 lions

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Paradise Valley Springs Update

Update from my visit (05/02/2025):

Naming of the cubs:

The 1.1 cubs have received the nicknames Bibi (male) and Gigi (female). Presumably B for boy; G for girl. The cubs will receive proper names in the coming months. This appears to be a recent trend at Paradise Valley Springs, with the previous litter (Fletcher and Freya) nicknamed Munchkin and Missy for close to a year.

The cubs will be named with the same initial, which is a tradition the park follows when the litter contains multiple cubs. This tradition dates back to the first twin litter in 1990 (Jenny and Jade).

Future breeding:

No decisions have been made on future breeding; but due to her age, this will almost certainly be Bella’s third and final litter. She was an impressive 13 years and 3 months upon the birth of this litter and is rearing them well. Her own mother, Hana, was noted to have been an exceptional mother.

Looking back at the park’s breeding records, there’s been a clear trend of designating a breeding lioness. It’s simpler to have one lioness off contraception; and since breeding can affect the hierarchy, it leads to greater stability within the pride. Therefore it’s my specualtion that one of Bella’s daughters will breed, but not the other. The park has seven lions and while acknowledging Luca turns 21 this year, breeding another litter of twins either this year or next would give the park six lions under the age of four. This would appear undesirable, translating into an ageing population a decade from now. Breeding from Bella’s youngest daughter circa 2028 would promote a better distribution of ages.

Pride hierarchy:

Bella is now the dominant lioness. Luca previously attained the highest ranking position after the death of the previous alpha male (Max) in 2019 saw her daughter Hana drop in ranking. Since then, Bella has produced three litters in three years and has become a central figure in the pride.

Freyja has a misshapen ear. She received this from her twin brother (Fletcher) chewing on it when they were cubs. For now, she’s the lowest ranking member of the main pride; but considering she’s just turned two (and with the new cubs yet to meet the rest of the pride), this is not necessarily an indication of her future ranking.

upload_2025-2-12_21-32-50.jpeg

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
1.0 Bibi (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
0.1 Gigi (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella

Review/details of exhibit:

For those who missed it, I have detailed the lion exhibit at Paradise Valley Springs in this review of my recent visit:

Paradise Valley Springs Review/Species List (February 2025) [Paradise Valley Springs]
 

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Monarto Safari Park - Paternity

In the population list, Husani’s ten surviving offspring (from three litters) are listed with the sire as unknown/multiple since it’s unconfirmed which of the three males sired her cubs:

1.0 Kashka (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kito (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kubwa (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo

However, I came across an article from Zoos SA which detailed the following regarding the sires of their 2023 litters (Husani’s third litter; and Makena’s first litter, sadly non-surviving).

“With Makena, we’re looking at Kubwa or Kashka as father of her cubs and Husani’s cubs are fathered by Kito or Kashka. Kashka is our dominant boy so he’s the one we expect to be the dad.”

As noted, dominant males usually sire the cubs; but especially when multiple lionesses are cycling, they can get stretched a little too far. As a previous example, Max (2000) and his half-brother Zac (2001) each sired a litter at Paradise Valley Springs in 2007 (born days apart). Max was the dominant male.
 
Monarto Safari Park - Update on Groupings

Chad and Ruka have been integrated with Chikondi and Zahara (who were seperated from the main pride last year) to form a small non-breeding pride.

Monarto’s three prides (all non-breeding) are as follows:

1.0 Kashka (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kito (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo
1.0 Kubwa (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo

0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Malika (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Bahati (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Mshindi (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Lela (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Kadija (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani

1.0 Chad (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
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

The trio of breeding males (Kashka, Kito and Kubwa) are the obvious candidates for transfer to Adelaide once the new exhibit is built (Adelaide plan to hold a non-breeding pride).

Four lions would crowd Adelaide’s planned exhibit, though it’s possible Chikondi or Zahara (or both) could transfer out, with Chad and Ruka then going to Adelaide. @Swanson02 has advised they’re being retained by Zoos SA to keep their options open at this stage. Shoalhaven hope to receive a female from within Australia if unable to import a female (to pair with Judah), so either Chikondi or Zahara would be an obvious candidate.
 
Largest Integrated Lion Prides in Australasia

Monarto Safari Park hold the largest integrated pride of lions in Australaia (nine lions); followed by Taronga Western Plains Zoo (eight); Taronga Zoo (seven); Werribee Open Range Zoo (six); and Paradise Valley Springs (five). Once Paradise Valley Springs’ new litter (twins) are fully integrated with the pride (mid-2025), they will surpass Werribee to rank third equal with Taronga Zoo.

Monarto Safari Park:

0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Malika (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Bahati (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Mshindi (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Lela (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Kadija (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

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

Taronga Zoo:

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

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

Paradise Valley Springs:

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

Two cubs to be integrated with main pride (mid-2025):

1.0 Bibi (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
0.1 Gigi (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
 
Zoofan15 said:
Largest Integrated Lion Prides in Australasia

Monarto Safari Park hold the largest integrated pride of lions in Australaia (nine lions); followed by Taronga Western Plains Zoo (eight); Taronga Zoo (seven); Werribee Open Range Zoo (six); and Paradise Valley Springs (five). Once Paradise Valley Springs’ new litter (twins) are fully integrated with the pride (mid-2025), they will surpass Werribee to rank third equal with Taronga Zoo.

Monarto Safari Park:

0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba
0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Malika (24/01/2021) UNK/MULT x Husani
1.0 Bahati (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Mshindi (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Lela (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani
0.1 Kadija (30/08/2023) UNK/MULT x Husani

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

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

Taronga Zoo:

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

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

Paradise Valley Springs:

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

Two cubs to be integrated with main pride (mid-2025):

1.0 Bibi (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
0.1 Gigi (04/11/2024) Xander x Bella
Click to expand...

I think Zambi and central coast zoo have a prides of 6
 
scallywag2024 said:
I think Zambi and central coast zoo have a prides of 6
Click to expand...

I’m open to correction, but socials imply Zambi Wildlife Retreat’s population are listed in multiple groups. They’ve to date been the only facility in the region not to respond to requests for information, so my information on them has been limited to what’s been posted on socials:

0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena
0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown

1.0 Njaro (00/00/2012) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown

1.0 Kibulu (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Mali (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown

I too was under the impression Central Coast Zoo’s pride lived together as an integrated pride of six, but I saw a post recently that implied at least one of the lionesses was living separately from the males, so I need to follow up on their current housing arrangements. If they remain together as a pride of six, then they will rank equal to Werribee (with both then being overtaken by Paradise Valley Springs when they successfully integrate their four month old cubs with the main pride later this year).
 
Zoofan15 said:
Zambi Update/Additional Information

A lioness named Jaya died July 2024, two months after a lion named Masai died. They were born 27/09/2003.

Kibulu and Mali were both born 02/07/2014, but they’re not siblings. Zambi’s socials state they came from opposite ends of the country. Through further research I see Mali was a littermate of Mal (at Darling Downs Zoo). These two (along with a third male littermate named Nathan) were hand raised by Ben Britton (Wild Animal Encounters in Western Sydney).

According to socials, Zambi also have Kibulu’s brother, Njaro (2012).

1.3 young lions were living together in a pride in 2018: Kibulu, Mali, Sukari and Zambi. It’s unclear if this quartet remain together; or whether Sukari and Zambi now live with Njaro (and Kiburi and Mali as a pair). Zambi and Sukari are sisters and older than Kibulu and Mali.

Mayzie and Kiara were both alive as of August 2024. There were numerous posts about them throughout 2024, none of which mentioned their exhibit mate Kovu. I’m assuming he’s passed on.

Revised population:

0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena
0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Njaro (00/00/2012) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Kibulu (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Mali (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown

Full updated population list coming soon.
Click to expand...

Update on Zambi Wildlife Retreat:

Thank you to @Tigergal for confirmation Zambi’s lions are held in the following groupings:

0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena
0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown

1.0 Kibulu (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Mali (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown

1.0 Njaro (2012) was not mentioned and is assumed to be deceased/no longer at Zambi.
 
Last Saturday when I went to Taronga Zoo, during Lion Talk, one of the keepers claimed that Maya was from Monarto Safari Park and Ato and Lwazi from Dubbo, and she explicitly claimed that Maya had not been to Dubbo ever, which happens to be 100% incorrect. As someone who has been to Dubbo before, I can say that Maya did come from South Africa before moving to Dubbo followed by Taronga. Yes I have seen Maya at Dubbo as that was where she previously had cubs with Lazarus. As for Ato and Lwazi, they were from Werribee and not Dubbo unlike what the keeper had said. I am so surprised a keeper who knows about their facts about lions would bring up inaccurate info just because they said they got it from another keeper.
 
Tam Skylonobi said:
Last Saturday when I went to Taronga Zoo, during Lion Talk, one of the keepers claimed that Maya was from Monarto Safari Park and Ato and Lwazi from Dubbo, and she explicitly claimed that Maya had not been to Dubbo ever, which happens to be 100% incorrect. As someone who has been to Dubbo before, I can say that Maya did come from South Africa before moving to Dubbo followed by Taronga. Yes I have seen Maya at Dubbo as that was where she previously had cubs with Lazarus. As for Ato and Lwazi, they were from Werribee and not Dubbo unlike what the keeper had said. I am so surprised a keeper who knows about their facts about lions would bring up inaccurate info just because they said they got it from another keeper.
Click to expand...

The keeper was definitely incorrect. A simple search confirms everything you’ve said.

While keepers are usually far more reliable than volunteers across the zoos I’ve visited, they still make mistakes. When Malu (Sumatran tiger) was sent to Australia in 1999 and delivered triplets the following year, all of New Zealand’s Sumatran tiger holders referenced it in keeper talks for the next 3-5 years. Sometimes the narrative was that she had two cubs, sometimes three depending on who told it.

Even worse was Auckland Zoo repeatedly stating the incorrect number of calves born to their giraffe Kiraka on their socials - each time reporting one less than what she’d had. The calf that died as a neonate was no doubt the one they were omitting, but each birth (including that one, which was a twin) had already been reported in the media.
 
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