An elderly female lion housed at Adelaide Zoo has been euthanised after the death of her lifelong partner.
African lion Amani died at 23 after being put to sleep following her partner Mujambi’s death at age 19, Adelaide Zoo confirmed.
Mujambi suffered a medical episode last weekend and “despite the best care” he was humanely euthanised.
Amani was euthanised shortly after as the zoo determined her broken heart would have proved too much.
“The negative welfare and aspects of her life without Mujambi were determined to outweigh any positives of remaining alone,” the zoo said in a statement.
Dr Phil Ainsley, Director of Adelaide Zoo, said the difficult decision to euthanise Amani was made to protect her following Mujambi’s death.
“Choosing when it is the right to say goodbye to an animal is a hardship but also a blessing,” he said.
NSW zoo welcomes two more baby giraffes to tower
“As well as the complex ethics surrounding euthanasia, and Zoos SA’s commitment to ensuring the best welfare outcome for animals in our care, we also have to consider species-specific behaviour.
“In the case of lions, they are a social species, and the likelihood of safely moving or integrating Amani into another pride or environment was considered too risky and stress provoking.”
Amani was the oldest lioness in Australia and had recently turned 23.
Mujambi turned 19 in March and was described as a “handsome lion with a beautiful mane, albeit thinning in his old age”.
“As you can imagine, the entire team at Adelaide Zoo is saddened by today’s news,” the zoo said in a message on social media.
