Three elderly lions at Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park, including the two oldest lions in Australasia, have been euthanised following months of declining health.
According to a report by 1News, Chief Executive Rachel Haydon confirmed the deaths on Monday afternoon, describing the loss as deeply emotional for staff.
“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, calling it “a very sad day for our team,” as quoted by 1News.
Haydon said the decision was an “agonising” one and was made only after careful consideration of the animals’ well-being.
“[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,” she said, 1news has quoted.
The lions, who had lived together as a family group for their entire lives at Orana, were under intensive veterinary care for degenerative muscle atrophy, suspected arthritis and other age-related conditions, including incontinence.
Orana’s lead veterinarian, Dr Tristan Kamps from Rangiora Vet Centre, said the decision to euthanise the three lions together was guided by their strong social bonds.
“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,” as quoted by 1News.
Kamps said leaving one elderly lion alone or attempting to integrate them with Orana’s remaining pride of two males would likely have resulted in serious welfare issues or even fatal outcomes, given the animals’ territorial nature.
Haydon said all three lions had lived well beyond the typical life expectancy of 10 to 14 years, with Leah and Meeka described as having lived “exceptionally long lives”.
“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,” 1News has quoted.
She added that wraparound support would be provided to the “passionate keepers who worked closely with these precious animals,” 1News has quoted.
Carnivore keepers at the park said it was “an absolute privilege” to work with the “incredible and beautiful” lions over many years. Leah was remembered as a vocal and confident lioness, Meeka as a fiercely protective mother, and Mambila as a devoted “Mumma’s boy” who rarely strayed far from her side.
“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, as reported by 1News.
“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,” 1News has quoted.
The deaths come after a major investigation into Orana Wildlife Park’s animal welfare practices and workplace culture was launched in 2024, following reports aired by 1News. The investigation by the Ministry for Primary Industries resulted in multiple recommendations, all of which were accepted by the park.