Three elderly lions at Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park – two, the oldest in Australasia – have been euthanised after months of declining health.
Chief executive Rachel Haydon announced the news of their deaths this afternoon, calling it "a very sad day for our team".
"It is with heavy hearts and much sadness we share the news of the passing of three elderly lions – sisters Leah and Meeka, 22, and Meeka’s son, Mambila, 15 – all due to age-related health concerns."
Haydon said the "agonising decision" had not been made lightly.
"[It] was the kindest call for the wellbeing of these majestic animals, allowing them to pass with grace as all three cats were declining in health."
The family group, who spent their entire lives together at Orana, had all been under intensive veterinary care and monitoring for degenerative muscle atrophy, suspected arthritis, and other age-related ailments including incontinence.
Dr Tristan Kamps, Orana's lead veterinarian from Rangiora Vet Centre, said the decision to euthanise the lions together was based on their species-specific social needs.
"Lions are highly social and family-oriented animals," Kamps said. "Sisters Leah and Meeka lived their entire 22 years together, and Mambila shared a particularly close bond with his mother. Prolonging the decision for one or more animals would have severely compromised their welfare beyond the degenerative issues they were already facing."
Kamps said leaving one elderly lion alone or attempting to integrate them with Orana's remaining pride of two males would have resulted in a negative welfare state or potentially fatal consequences, given lions' highly territorial nature.
'Treasured members of our whānau'
Haydon added that all three lions had surpassed the average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years, with Leah and Meeka in particular living "exceptionally long lives". The sisters were the oldest lions in the Australasia region at the time of their deaths.
"This longevity is testament to the extraordinary care provided by our dedicated animal and veterinary teams," she said. "Making these heartbreaking decisions is the most difficult part of what we do, but we must always prioritise the animal's wellbeing and right to live with dignity.
"Our team have been closely monitoring the condition of the cats for months due to their advanced age, ensuring they were comfortable and had the very best care."
Haydon said wraparound support would be provided to the "passionate keepers who worked closely with these precious animals".
Orana’s carnivore keepers said it was "an absolute privilege" to work with these “incredible and beautiful” animals for many years.
Leah was remembered as a very vocal cat and a "real lioness" by the way she carried herself, while Meeka was described as a dedicated helicopter parent who would growl at visitors trying to take a photo of her son. Mambila, meanwhile, was a "Mumma’s boy" with a squeaky roar who never wandered too far from his mother.
"These lions were treasured members of our whānau. They will be deeply missed by everyone who cared for them throughout their lives and our community who enjoyed meeting them," Haydon said.
"We are incredibly grateful to our team for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to ensuring all three lions experienced a peaceful and dignified farewell.
"The cats will leave a large void being such long-standing members of our animal family."
A major investigation was launched into Orana's animal welfare procedures and culture in 2024 after 1News reported on the park's culture and treatment of animals.
The stories – first aired in July 2024 – included comments from 20 current and former zoo workers, some of whom said they were overworked and exhausted with too many animals in their care.
The Ministry for Primary Industries proceeded to investigate and made multiple recommendations that were all accepted by the park.
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