A popular zoo has made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize a healthy lioness to spare her the pain of having to live without her male partner.
Adelaide Zoo published in Facebook The much-loved pair of African lions, Amani and Mujambi, were euthanized for humane reasons.
The zoo said Mujambi, a 19-year-old male, suffered a medical episode over the weekend and “despite the best care from our veterinary team, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.”
Shortly after, the decision was made to euthanize 23-year-old Amani.
“It was decided that the negative well-being and aspects of her life without Mujambi would outweigh any positive aspects of being left alone,” the zoo said in a statement.
Both lions are considered elderly and the predators generally only live to be 15 years old if in the wild.
Adelaide Zoo director Dr Phil Ainsley said it was a difficult decision.
“Choosing when is the right time to say goodbye to an animal is a difficulty but also a blessing.”
Adelaide Zoo’s much-loved pair of African lions, Amani (left) and Mujambi (right), have been humanely euthanized.
Integrating Amani into another pack or environment was considered too risky and stressful for her.
“In addition to the complex ethics surrounding euthanasia and Zoos SA’s commitment to ensuring the best welfare for the animals in our care, we must also consider the specific behavior of each species.”
Dr Ainsely said lions are a social species and the prospect of integrating Amani into another pride or environment was considered too risky and stressful for her.
Adelaide Zoo curator Deb Barry said Amani was Australia’s oldest lioness and had a special bond with Mujambi.
“Despite appearances, she was very close to Mujambi,” he said.
‘Yes, she hit him, growled and ordered him around, but she also didn’t want to be further away from him than his shadow.
‘Our goalkeepers are extremely sad. They have spent years caring for Amani and Mujambi. Their care has allowed both lions to live to significant ages, far beyond the usual life expectancy.
‘In the wild, African lions live to be around 15 years old. Under human care in a zoo or safari park, lions can live to be 20 years old. “At ages 23 and 19, both lions were in the final stages of their lives,” Ms Barry said.
Adelaide Zoo has created a website ‘Remembering African Lions Mujambi and Amani’, where you can post messages to the zoo team who cared for the lions.
Facebook users were saddened and paid tribute to Amani and Mujambi.
‘Oh, that’s very sad news. Mujambi and Amani were such beautiful animals and were adored by many,” one post read.
‘I loved taking photos of the majestic Mujambi, even if he tried to urinate on us!’
“Absolutely devastated by the news but sending love to everyone who over the years cared for and loved Armani and Mujambi,” another added.
‘Truly magnificent lions who helped educate and inspire conservation in so many people. Sad day.’