The Australasian region does make some strange choices. Like why did Monarto receive male lions that were related to their lionesses when there were unrelated males in the region? Milo and Misty are still alive and well. They’re only five years old and also have two sons, so lots of potential for this bloodline. The dominant bloodline in the region is the Tonyi/Kura bloodline. Kura’s grandson sired several offspring at Werribee, with most of the male offspring going into breeding prides.
Lion Population Update Taronga Western Plains Zoo: Their new male lion has been revealed to be Lwazi, who has been transferred from Taronga Zoo. He has been introduced to the zoo’s imported lionesses - Marion and Evelyn. New king in town Paradise Valley Springs: The two cubs born in May have been named Seb and Sasha. They will likely be a future alpha male and breeding female respectively based on the age difference between them and the last litter, who were born eight years ago.
At the Werribee keeper talk a couple of days ago, we were told the zoo now only has the mother-daughter pair of Nilo and Asali. I didn’t get a chance to ask about Nairibi.
That’s interesting. I’d be surprised if Nairibi has been removed from the female pride she’s settled in, but as a genetically valuable animal, she may have been transferred to another zoo to be paired with a male. Following the expansion at Werribee, it seems obvious the pride will be receiving a new breeding male though.
That's very interesting. I doubt Nairobi has left; maybe she just wasn't on exhibit at the time. Possibly she could've been (or will be) sent to Wellington?
I think export to Wellington is unlikely as I believe Nilo and Nairibi are related to the Copenhagen imports. The National Zoo and Aquarium are looking for a mate for their male, Mlinzi, so that could be a possibility. Paradise Valley Springs manage a pride of multiple lionesses and have always had one of them separated on my last few visits due to them being on heat and confrontational with the others; so possibly Nairibi was off display for that reason.
The new male lions at Wellington have been named Jelani and Sadiki and are now on display. Though being related to some of the other lions in the region through females Nilo and Nairobi, who were also from the Copenhagen Zoo, they should be paired with some additional females from the region. I’d like to see Wellington getting a female to be paired with either one of the males, (maybe from Billabong) and then sending the other elsewhere to breed (maybe to Perth).
Once I know their DOB, I’ll update the listings. They look like they’re around two years old - so probably late 2019 to early 2020. I think their names might offer some clues. Jelani means great and powerful; while Sadiki means loyal. To me, this suggests Jelani is the dominant male; while Sadiki is his right hand man - who will remain with him to rule over a new pride. I think the two young lionesses from Billabong would be highly suitable candidates for creating a pride at Wellington. They’ve previously held a cohesive pride of 1.3 lions; and attempted to integrate a pride of 2.3.
New Zealand Lion Transfer Pouakai’s three elderly lions all passed away this year and have been replaced with 1.2 from Paradise Valley. This transfer brings the populations of the facilities to the following: Paradise Valley Springs: 2.4 lions in one pride: 0.1 Luca (20/10/2004) Max x Ryo 0.1 Hana (05/03/2007) Zac x Luca 0.1 Bella (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana 1.0 Xander (20/09/2013) Max x Hana 1.0 Seb (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella 0.1 Sacha (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella Pouakai Zoo: 1.2 lions in one pride: 1.0 Benji (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana 0.1 Ayla (21/02/2012) Max x Luca 0.1 Aleeka (21/02/2012) Max x Luca This transfer would have been of great benefit to Paradise Valley Park. They had five lionesses and Aleeka had shown ambition from a young age, resulting in a long running conflict with her elder sister; while Benji’s transfer leaves his younger brother (the alpha) as the only adult male of the pride until his juvenile son reaches maturity.
Nilo and Nairobi were born at Givskud Zoo, not Copenhagen. Although the current breeding male at Copenhagen (father of Jelani and Sadiki) was also bred at Givskud. So there is bound to be some relation between them
2021 Summary Births: Paradise Valley Springs: 1.1 surviving cubs were born in May 2021 to Xander and Bella. The cubs were named Seb and Sacha. They’re the first birth at the park since 2013. Taronga Zoo: 2.3 cubs were born in August 2021. They were named Khari, Luzoko, Ayanna, Malika and Zuri. They’re the first birth at the zoo since 2003. Deaths: Pouakai Zoo: Leah was euthanised in June 2021 on medical grounds aged 16 years; Aslan was euthanised in September 2021 on medical grounds aged 15 years; and Asha was euthanised alongside Aslan on welfare grounds aged 15 years. Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary: Zamba died under anaesthetic in July 2021 aged 20 years. Cora has also apparently died, having been removed from the list of cats on their website. Monarto Safari Park: Khari, a one year old male, died following spinal surgery in February 2021. Auckland Zoo: Zulu was euthanised in April 2021 on medical grounds; Malik was euthanised in April 2021 on welfare grounds. They were both 17 years of age. Wellington Zoo: Djane was euthanised in April 2021 on medical grounds; Zahra was euthanised in April 2021 on welfare grounds. They were both 19 years of age. National Zoo and Aquarium: Millie died in May 2021 aged 21 years. Mogo Zoo: Moto, a five week old cub, died in January 2021. Transfers and Imports: Auckland Zoo: 0.3 (Aziza, Kibibi and Ilola) from Werribee Open Range Zoo. Wellington Zoo: 2.0 (Jelani and Sadiki) from Copenhagen Zoo. Poukai Zoo: 1.2 (Benji, Aleeka and Ayla) from Paradise Valley Springs. National Zoo and Aquarium: 1.0 (Mlinzi) from Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Taronga Western Plains Zoo: 1.0 (Lwazi) from Taronga Zoo. Central Coast Zoo: 3.3 lions (Zaire, Maasai, Hulk, Zimbi, Nairobi and Akita) from Stardust Circus. 2022 Population List New Zealand Population Auckland Zoo: 0.3 lions in one pride: 0.1 Aziza (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi 0.1 Kibibi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi 0.1 Ilola (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo Wellington Zoo: 2.0 lions in one pride: 1.0 Jelani (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark) 1.0 Sadiki (00/00/2019) Imported 2021 (Denmark) Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary: 7.6 lions in multiple prides: 0.1 Savannah (27/01/2001) Sampson x Shania 1.0 Shumba (07/06/2001) Sampson x Shania 0.1 Jabu (26/12/2002) Sampson x Shania 0.1 Shikira (23/02/2004) Imported 2004 1.0 Laduma (20/05/2004) Imported 2004 0.1 Amafu (20/05/2004) Imported 2004 0.1 Imvula (28/07/2004) Imported 2004 1.0 Abdullah (31/01/2006) Gandor x Shikira 0.1 Cleo (31/01/2006) Gandor x Shikira 1.0 Timba (11/12/2006) Laduma x Imvula 1.0 Themba (11/12/2006) Laduma x Imvula 1.0 Sabie (27/01/2007) Laduma x Amafu 1.0 Sibili (27/01/2007) Laduma x Amafu Orana Wildlife Park: 4.4 lions in two prides: 0.1 Leah (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla 0.1 Meeka (13/01/2004) Toby x Priscilla 1.0 Mambila (04/01/2011) Malik x Mishka 1.0 Kahn (31/12/2002) Toby x Kiara 0.1 Tua (16/06/2009) Malik x Mishka 0.1 Tama (16/06/2009) Malik x Mishka 1.0 Kairangi (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara 1.0 Tawhiri (05/07/2009) Malik x Kiara Paradise Valley Springs: 2.4 lions in one pride: 0.1 Luca (20/10/2004) Max x Ryo 0.1 Hana (05/03/2007) Zac x Luca 0.1 Bella (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana 1.0 Xander (20/09/2013) Max x Hana 1.0 Seb (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella 0.1 Sacha (01/05/2021) Xander x Bella Pouakai Zoo: 1.2 lions in one pride: 1.0 Benji (02/08/2011) Ben x Hana 0.1 Ayla (21/02/2012) Max x Luca 0.1 Aleeka (21/02/2012) Max x Luca Australian Population Adelaide Zoo: 1.1 lions in one pride: 0.1 Amani (06/05/2001) Tonyi x Kura 1.0 Mujambi (26/03/2005) Lance x Narla Altina Willdife Park: 3.3 lions in two prides: 1.0 Jabari (26/03/2005) Lance x Narla 0.1 Mana (09/08/2012) Mac x Snow 1.0 Holden (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella 1.0 Kimba (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella 0.1 Elsa (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella 0.1 Neferity (01/11/2014) Tim x Bella Billabong Zoo: 3.3 lions in two prides: 0.1 Misty (05/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa) 1.0 Milo (18/04/2016) Imported 2016 (South Africa) 0.1 Kiros (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty 0.1 Nuru (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty 1.0 Zoraya (04/01/2019) Milo x Misty 1.0 Amari (27/08/2018) Milo x Misty Central Coast Zoo: 3.3 lions in one pride: 1.0 Zaire (00/00/2012) 0.1 Zimbi (00/00/2012) 1.0 Maasai (00/00/2013) 0.1 Nairobi (00/00/2013) 1.0 Hulk (00/00/2015) 0.1 Akita (00/00/2015) Crocodylus Park: 2.0 lions in one pride: 1.0 Araali (13/08/2013) Bakari x Kiara 1.0 Zuri (13/08/2013) Bakari x Kiara Darling Downs Zoo: 3.5 lions in three prides: 1.0 Shaka (21/07/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa) 0.1 Shenzi (06/08/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa) 0.1 Msichana (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi 0.1 Sahara (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila 1.0 Kwanza (12/11/2012) Shaka x Shenzi 0.1 Buffy (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila 0.1 Sassy (10/10/2011) Fred x Dalila Rotates being paired with: 1.0 Mal (02/07/2014) Unknown x Unknown Hunter Valley Zoo: 1.3 lions in two prides: 0.1 Kuchani (06/05/2001) Tonyi x Kura 0.1 Asali (28/08/2003) Jambo x Kuchani 1.0 Kovu (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi 0.1 Nala (13/01/2015) Shaka x Shenzi Mansfield Zoo: 3.1 lions in two prides: 1.0 Rubani (24/05/2001) Fred x Sheba 0.1 Dalila (17/07/2003) Fred x Xena 1.0 Djuma (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow 1.0 Matimba (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow Melbourne Zoo: 2.0 lions in one pride: 1.0 Zuberi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi 1.0 Ndidi (12/12/2016) Johari x Nairibi Mogo Zoo: 3.4 lions in four prides: 0.1 Snow (00/00/2004) Imported 2004 (South Africa) 1.0 Baako (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya 1.0 Mafuta (00/00/2006) Tim x Snow 0.1 Numbi (00/00/2006) Tim x Snow 0.1 Chitwa (10/08/2014) Mac x Snow 1.0 Phoenix (23/12/2019) Baako x Chitwa 0.1 Maji (11/12/2020) Baako x Zuri Monarto Safari Park: 5.6 lions in two prides: 1.0 Inkosi (19/09/2007) Levi x Tiombe 1.0 Jelani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe 0.1 Husani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe 0.1 Nia (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe 0.1 Makena (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba 1.0 Kashka (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo 1.0 Kito (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo 1.0 Kubwa (20/10/2015) Johari x Nilo 0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani 0.1 Chikondi (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani 0.1 Zahara (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani National Zoo and Aquarium: 4.1 lions in three prides: 1.0 Marjan (04/06/02) Kimba x Millie 1.0 Sabi (04/06/02) Kimba x Millie 1.0 Jake (19/10/2007) Imported 2009 (South Africa) 0.1 Mischka (19/10/2007) Imported 2009 (South Africa) 1.0 Mlinzi (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba Perth Zoo: 0.2 lions in one pride: 0.1 Makeba (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya 0.1 Uzuri (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya Shoalhaven Zoo: 4.2 lions in two prides: 1.0 Jabari (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara 1.0 Kibwana (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara 0.1 Gimbya (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara 0.1 Jaja (13/01/2014) Bakari x Kiara 1.0 Ariel (13/10/2018) Imported 2019 (South Africa) 1.0 Juda (13/10/2018) Imported 2019 (South Africa) Sydney Zoo: 4.0 lions in one pride: 1.0 Bakari (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya 1.0 Karoo (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya 1.0 Sheru (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya 1.0 Virunga (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya Taronga Zoo: 3.4 lions in one pride: 0.1 Maya (26/02/2011) Imported 2014 (South Africa) 1.0 Ato (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo 1.0 Khari (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya 1.0 Luzoko (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya 0.1 Ayanna (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya 0.1 Malika (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya 0.1 Zuri (12/08/2021) Ato x Maya Taronga Western Plains Zoo: 1.5 lions in three prides: 0.1 Kiamba (21/01/2004) Maalo x Amani 0.1 Zalika (04/03/2004) Lazarus x Amira 0.1 Tiombe (18/04/2004) Lazarus x Kura 1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo 0.1 Evelyn (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States) 0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States) Tasmania Zoo: 4.0 lions in one pride: 1.0 Megalou (15/07/2006) Tim x Bella 1.0 Timba (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow 1.0 Narky (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow 1.0 Vati (05/02/2007) Tim x Snow Werribee Open Range Zoo: 0.3 lions in one pride: 0.1 Nairibi (15/02/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark) 0.1 Nilo (17/03/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark) 0.1 Asali (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo Zambi Wildlife Retreat: 1.5 lions in two prides: 1.0 Kovu (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown 0.1 Mayzie (01/05/2004) Fred x Xena 0.1 Kiara (00/00/2004) Unknown x Unknown 0.1 Mali (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown 0.1 Zambi (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown 0.1 Sukari (Unknown) Unknown x Unknown Zoodoo Zoo: 1.2 lions in two prides: 1.0 Bakari (31/07/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa) 0.1 Kiara (00/08/2009) Imported 2010 (South Africa) 0.1 Malika (09/10/2011) Fred x Irene Total New Zealand Population: 16.19 lions Total Australian Population: 52.53 lions Total Australasian Population: 68.72 lions
Details on Wellington’s new males: The lions are one year and nine months - placing their DOB as March/April 2020. 'Regal roar' returns to Wellington Zoo as lion brothers settle into capital life A spiky amber mohawk juts out from behind a grey rock, as Jelani, one of Wellington’s newest lions, poses for the camera. His brother, the blonde Sadiki, was nowhere in sight, perhaps taking a nap after chowing down part of a 15 kilogram feed on Friday morning. Zookeeper Anders Muller described Jelani as “quietly confident”, reserved but curious, comfortable showing his nerves around people. “Sadiki, on the other hand, goes to the extreme. He’s either extremely confident or extremely frightened around us, so he’s a bit more of an emotional rollercoaster.”
Monarto Zoo - Pregnancy Announcement Husani is pregnant with her second litter. The cubs are due next month. Husani has three surviving cubs from her first litter: 0.1 Adira (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani 0.1 Chikondi (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani 0.1 Zahara (16/02/2020) UNK/MULT x Husani The sires of both litters are unconfirmed and could even be multiple sires per litter.
Monarto Zoo - Birth 0.0.5 cubs were born to Husani at Monarto Zoo on 24/01/2022. These cubs represent the eighth litter born at the zoo. The zoo is aiming to introduce them to the rest of the female pride, including Husani’s 23 month old daughters from her previous litter, at around four weeks of age. It’s great to see another large litter within the region - with Taronga Zoo also welcoming five cubs last year.
Werribee/National Zoo Transfer Nairibi has been transferred from Werribee Open Range Zoo to the National Zoo and Aquarium where she will be paired with Mlinzi: 1.0 Mlinzi (18/06/2013) Leroy x Kiamba 0.1 Nairibi (15/02/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark) This is an exciting pairing as while Nairibi’s half sister, Nilo, has several offspring in breeding situations; all four of Nairibi’s offspring are in non breeding prides. Nairibi is a founder, having been imported from Denmark in 2014. Mlinzi is also one of only two surviving offspring of his mother, Kiamba , who in turn is the only remaining offspring of her elderly mother in the region. They have several extended relatives however through the descendants of Kiamba’s aunts and uncles. This transfer and the export of three lionesses to Auckland Zoo leave Werribee with two females (Nilo and Asali). Werribee plan to receive a male lion before Nilo becomes post reproductive: 0.1 Nilo (17/03/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark) 0.1 Asali (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
Interesting news! Werribee plans to open a new Lion habitat over the coming years, which should allow for a large pride to be formed. Considering Nilo will be turning 10 this year, the move should be taking place soon. Hopefully Werribee can manage to obtain a male from overseas. The region is in dire need of new genetics.
Werribee have the potential to create a multigenerational pride, which is exciting as it eliminates the need to euthanise the elderly companion of the last remaining lion - as has been done at several zoos of late. Instead, when Nilo passes on, her daughter will have her own offspring (the next generation of the pride) for companionship. Introducing a new male in the next two years will ensure the introductions are done while Nilo is still cycling and that offspring of Nilo and Asali will still be of reproductive age when Nilo passes on and they look at bringing in a subsequent male. The region had benefited from a number of imports in recent years, but they haven’t been very well utilised. Shoalhaven is sitting on two unrepresented founders from South Africa; while Billabong have a pair of founders from South Africa and their 2.2 offspring that have been shared with no one.
That seems a little odd that a new bloodline has been kept away from the rest of the population Whats the point in importing and just hanging on to the line
I agree. The 2.2 Billabong offspring are three years old, so hopefully they’ve just been retained to maximise their socialisation and will be placed at other facilities in the near future. The females could be sent to Wellington to breed with their new imports from Copenhagen. This would create a valuable bloodline and aside from Melbourne (who don’t have space to breed), Wellington are one of the few facilities in the region without lionesses.
Monarto Zoo - Lion Cub Update One of Husani’s cubs has unfortunately died; while the four remaining cubs have been sexed as 3.1. This brings their pride to 6.7 lions - the largest in Australasia. Monarto has a seperate pride of 2.0 lions.
