Two lions have had to be euthanised this morning at Auckland Zoo in what the team has called the "best call for their welfare".
Elderly lions Kura and her daughter Amira had to be euthanased this morning at Auckland Zoo. Photo: Supplied/Auckland Zoo
Elderly lions Kura and her daughter Amira had to be euthanised this morning after it was becoming evident to the zoo that Kura's quality of life was beginning to deteriorate.
With the loss of Kura and Amira, Auckland Zoo is currently without lions.
The decision to euthanise the lions was incredibly difficult, staff said.
"[Kura's] decline was irreversible and would only worsen in the days ahead, making euthanasia the kindest, most humane and only option," senior vet manager James Chatterton said.
Over the past few months Kura, despite an increased diet, was having trouble maintaining her weight, and began displaying behaviours of extreme vulnerability, including for the first time, acting submissively towards her daughter Amira.
Carnivore team leader Lauren Booth said Amira, the mother of two offspring, was "the real princess, the mummy's girl ... She was always very close to her mother, so wherever Kura went, Amira followed."
As a result zoo-keeping and veterinary staff were aware of the adverse psychological effect the loss of Kura would have on Amira.
"Experience has shown us that even the rare times Amira has been apart from Kura for a few hours, she has found it extremely difficult. She would become highly stressed and anxious, so much so that in March we gave her anti-anxiety medication," Ms Booth said.
"We asked all the questions and consulted, but there were no better alternatives for Amira.
"Neither would Amira be accepted or tolerated in a different pride, here or anywhere else. To do this would be completely irresponsible and dangerous, and would likely be fatal for her.
"This is heartbreaking for us, we love both Amira and Kura and will miss them terribly, but we know that euthanising Amira enabled her to die peacefully with Kura, and not endure any unnecessary suffering."
Kura, aged 19.5 years, and Amira, 17 years, exceeded the life expectancy of female lions which in the wild was up to 15 year, and 17 years in zoos.
The carnivore team said Kura, who had nine offspring, was "the most 'liony of lions' who really owned her role as matriarch, Kura was firm but fair, protective, and always looked out for the best interests of the females in her pride."
In contrast, Amira was the "go with-the-flow playful one" but also very alert and astute to everything that was going on, and shared a very close bond with her mum Kura.
"Kura was a pretty tough lady, but she also had a softer playful side which we saw in her interactions with Sheeka and Amira over the years, through bursts of play and lots of social grooming," Ms Booth said.
"Personally, I'll miss the demeanour of strength and dignity she always exuded and be forever grateful for all that she taught me about lion dynamics and what it means to be a good leader."