Felids in Australasian Zoos – News, History and Discussion

This was just one of many examples. Before wading in on a discussion between other members, perhaps you should have read all the posts - which listed Mandrills and other examples.

 

Why? We’re loosing a holding zoo (National Zoo and Aquarium) and if we’re lucky we MAY gain a zoo (Wellington), which has no plans to breed them (i.e. they will likely obtain an older pair and then discontinue with the species) like other zoos in the region have done.

 

Paradise Valley Park - African Lions

Paradise Valley Park have recently updated their website with info on their lions:

The Pride of Paradise | Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park

Max (M)

Born 1st February 2000.

Our oldest and most dominant lion is Max. He is in charge of the pride.

Max has a fairly calm disposition and is not overly aggressive for a male lion, except when one of the females is in season (ready to breed). He is very protective of our head lioness Hana, since the passing of his soulmate Ryo in late 2017.

Due to Max being so placid, he is actually the first lion we introduce all of our cubs to. He is very patient with them, and has to put up with them investigating his mane for the first time and climbing all over him.

Luca (F)

Born 20th October 2004.

Luca is our oldest lioness.

She is the lightest in colour of all of our lions.

Luca is mum to Hana and also to littermates Ayla and Aleekah.

She gave birth to Hana at two years old, which is quite young as lions normally breed from around three or four years old. Not only did she successfully raise Hana, but she also took on and raised another cub Ben who was born a few days prior to Hana after his mother Ryo's milk dried up, which was common for her.

Hana (F)

Born 5th March 2007.

Hana is currently our most dominant lioness at Paradise.

Her coat colour is very dark.

Hana is a very good mother, and is mum to littermates Benji and Bella, as well as our youngest male Xander. Lionesses will usually feed their cubs for 6-12 months, but Hana feeds and cares for hers for a lot longer. Like most mothers she has a close relationship with her adult offspring.

Benji (M)

Born 2nd August 2011.

Benji is one of our best looking male lions.

Nicknamed Ben Junior, he is named after his father Ben who left the park before he was born.

Benji mostly has a placid and gentle nature, and is one of the only males that will hardly ever growl while being handfed.

Being a male lion, the lionesses generally show him respect and get out of his way at feeding times. The only one who is not afraid to push the limits with him is his littermate Bella, which she does regularly and much to Benji's dismay. Littermates always have a tight-knit relationship throughout their lives and Benji and Bella are very close.

Bella (F)

Born 2nd August 2011.

Bella is our most confident lion.

She is very similar in looks to her mother Hana, but is a lot chubbier as she absolutely loves her food.

Being confident, she is not afraid to get in amongst the males at feeding times. She is always the first to find, claim and defend any new enrichment items. Bella is one of the only lions we've ever had that will eat pork, albeit reluctantly.

Unusually for a lioness, Bella can get quite grumpy at times and sometimes has a short fuse. She has been known to growl at visitors if they have annoyed her - for example if someone is standing in her line of sight when she is eyeing up a small child or something else of interest.

Ayla (F)

Born 21st February 2012.

Ayla is our smallest lioness.

She is a real sweetheart and has a lovely relaxed nature.

She doesn't like conflict, and although she is confident, she tends to stay away from any aggression at feeding time. For this reason you will notice she doesn't have many scars on her face.

The rare times that Ayla is ever aggressive is when she is really hungry. Normally a placid and quiet lioness, she will fight off any lions that come anywhere near her during this time, including the males, and they all know to keep well away if she is grumpy.

Aleekah (F)

Born 21st February 2012.

Aleekah is a quite a dominant lioness.

She has always had a very close relationship with her mother Luca, much more so than her sister Ayla.

She does not get on with older sister Hana at all. Aleekah started challenging Hana for her place in the pride hierarchy when she was only two years old, which Hana opposed, and the two have never gotten along since.

Xander (M)

Born 20th September 2013.

Xander is currently our youngest lion, and he was the most recent cub born at Paradise.

He may be the 'baby' of the pride, but Xander is actually the largest lion at Paradise at around 200kg. As with most male lions he is aggressive around food and due to his large size some of the lionesses are more wary of him than the other males, but he is mostly a big softy.

He gets on extremely well with older half-brother Benji and they spend most of their time with each other, and Xander actually pines for him when they aren't together.

 

Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park - African Lions: an opportunity for new genetics

Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park have been breeding lions since 1986. The first cub was called Suzy and all of the current pride of 3.5 lions descend from her. Inbreeding has been extensive with no imports since the founders arrived in the 1980s.

One thing I noticed recently, was that no cubs have been bred for almost six years (2013). Previously, the largest interval between cubs has been three years, with intervals of one to two years equally common.

I’m wondering if the park are considering bringing in some new genetics. The eldest male, Max, has just turned 19 years old (a fantastic age for a male lion); and statistically, is likely to die within the next 3 years. His death would reduce to the pride to 2.5 lions. The most logical way to introduce new lions to the pride would be to export the two remaining males and import a new male. There would be no better time to do this than when there is no cubs/juveniles in the pride (cubs won’t be at risk of infanticide; females will be more receptive etc.).

In my opinion, these are the most viable possibilities:

Exports:

Benji (2011) and Xander (2013) could be sent to Orana Wildlife Park; either on permanent loan, or on route to another facility. Orana Wildlife Park have one pride containing post reproductive lionesses; and one containing aging lionesses. New males will be required in the immediate future if they wish to continue their pride.

Alternatively, the two males could be sent to a wildlife park in Bali, like many of the lions in the Australasian region have been in recent years.

Imports:

The most obvious source of import is Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a few hours north. With the sanctuary permanently closed for years, and a reopening looking less and likely; it’s not hard to imagine they’d be happy to loan, or even donate a male lion from their dwindling population of big cats. There has been no breeding at Kamo for over a decade, suggesting they have no intention to expand or even sustain the numbers of big cats in their care.

 

Wellington Zoo - Sumatran Tigers

Wellington Zoo are now 15 months into their plan to introduce Sumatran tigers Bashii and Senja.

They have posted this video on their Facebook page, which describes how they have reached the stage where the tigers are exploring each other’s habitats:

Wellington Zoo

While they seem to be taking the introductions very slowly (probably no bad thing given the incident at London Zoo last week); it’s worth noting that despite giving birth to her first litter at just four years of age in 1996, Wellington Zoo’s previous breeding tigress, Cantic, arrived in 1994 and was likely introduced to the male, Jambi, over a similar time period.

When Jambi killed his first mate in 1993, the zoo said the introduction to her replacement (Cantic), would be taken more slowly. I’m guessing they found this formula successful (they produced two litters together) and have followed it for introducing this pair more than two decades later.

In a previous article, Wellington Zoo states they had hopes for cubs in late 2019, so hopefully this will be their year. With triplets born at Taronga Zoo in January; and Adelaide preparing to introduce their tigers, 2019 could be an exciting year for Sumatran tigers in Australasia.

 

Monarto Zoo - African Lion Update

Love is in the air for lions at Monarto Zoo - Monarto Zoo

Last December, Monarto Zoo’s African Lion pride grew by three thanks to the arrival of new males Kashka, Kubwa and Kito.

The fearless felines have been busy settling in to their eight hectare home while also getting used to their new neighbours and potential love interests; six lionesses.

Currently, the two groups are able to see each other from a distance where they can interact visually and vocally.

And after weeks of positive breeding behaviours from afar, keepers recently began allowing the males to have mesh contact with a few females at a time, in a safe and controlled environment.

Monarto Zoo Keeper Tim Mellonie said the team was pleased with how mesh introductions had been developing between the young three-year-old brothers and females.

“During the introductions we have been seeing some very positive breeding behaviours from both the girls and boys,” Tim said.

“We’ve observed the girls rolling on their backs and tail flagging which shows they are interested in the young lions.

“As we continue mesh introductions we are looking forward to seeing the social dynamics and hopefully develop a large breeding pride.”

Keepers will continue mesh introductions for the two groups until it can be ascertained the pride will have a positive meeting face-to-face.

 

Hopefully some cubs soon...

 

I hope so. It’s going to be challenging for Monarto to introduce the males to the three older, post reproductive lionessses (born 2004); but I’m sure they’ll hit it off with the three younger lionesses (born 2013). The article implies they’re aiming to run them as one pride, which would be an impressive sight if they can make it work.

In both 2007 and 2013, they allowed both Tiombe and Kiamba to have litters at the same time; so I hope at least two of the three young lionesses will be allowed to breed.

 

Does anyone know the current hierarchy of the lionesses at Monarto?

The most recent reference I can find is from 2011, following the reintroduction of Kiamba (and her cub, Jahzara) to the pride:

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It makes sense that Tiombe was the highest ranking female, as she was the first (and for a while the only) female to raise cubs in the pride; and that Kiamba as the initial social outsider (Tiombe, Zalika and Kibira were all born at Auckland Zoo) was the lowest ranking.

However, following the death of Kibira; the birth and integration of the three youngest lionesses into the pride; and the export of Jahzara; I wonder how this has affected the hierarchy. Have Tiombe’s daughters, Husani and Nia, benefited from their mother’s status? Has rearing two litters of cubs in the pride increased Kiamba’s status?

The introduction of the males will undoubtedly shake things up further. Even if Tiombe is still the head lioness; will the males (who will likely favour the young, prime age lionesses) influence the rise of a new alpha female?

 

Werribee Open Range Zoo - African Lions

Sad news from Werribee Open Range Zoo, as reported by @WhistlingKite24 in their news thread:

Johari the male African lion has died, aged 15 years while under general anesthetic for an examination to investigate the cause of his recent lethargy and anemia.

This leaves his pride with the following:

0.1 Nairibi (born 15/02/2012)
0.1 Nilo (born 17/03/2012)
0.1 Aziza (born 12/12/2016)
0.1 Kibibi (born 12/12/2016)
0.1 Asali (born 12/08/2017)
0.1 Ilola (born 12/08/2017)
1.0 Ato (born 12/08/2017)
1.0 Lwazi (born 12/08/2017)

I’d say it’s near certain the two 18 month old males will be exported, and new males brought into to breed with the pride of six lionesses in the next couple of years.

Werribee Open Range Zoo’s oldest male lion passes away | Zoos Victoria

 

Billabong Zoo has announced that their pair of lions have welcomed another litter of cubs (1:2) in January. Mother, 'Misty' seems to be raising them with no problems, and the zoo is in the process of reintegrating 'Amari' ( 6-month-old, hand raised cub) back into their pride. After this litter, 'Misty' will be implanted with a contraceptive for the time being.
Billabong Zoo
The cubs from this second litter are as followed:
Zoraya (F)
Born 4th of January 2019

Nuru (F)
Born 4th of January 2019

Kiros (M)
Born 4th of January 2019

 

I found an article, regarding the recent litter of cubs at Billabong Zoo. The article mentions that a 'place in Queensland', have shown interest in obtaining these cubs. I assume they mean Darling Downs Zoo, since it's the only zoo in Queensland to hold lions.

Three new African lion cubs born at Port Macquarie's Billabong Zoo

Billabong breeding program boosted by three

Billabong Zoo's breeding program in Port Macquarie is now home to three new cute and cuddly African lion cubs.

The six week old cubs include two females named Zoraya and Nuru as well as a male named Kiros, born to Billabong Zoo parents, Misty and Milo on January 4.

They were later revealed on March 7.

Zoraya, Nuru and Kiros are named after African words for princess, light and the king.

"These guys were quite a surprise because we had some problems with Misty losing her milk and those sorts of things," he said.

"So we certainly weren't thinking we would be this fast with another litter, for her to have three and survive with all three.

"Obviously there's a male and two females, so that means that the blood line can be shared around and to other zoological institutes and their breeding program to strengthen the genetic bloodlines."

Misty will raise the cubs over the next 12 to 18 months while being introduced to their six month old brother, Amari and father, Milo.

The cubs have been implanted with a lifetime identification microchip and had their first vaccinations.

Misty has been implanted with a contraceptive to halt breeding until another litter is considered.

Mr Stone said unfortunately the cubs will not become a permanent resident at the zoo and will eventually be transported to other breeding programs in Australia.

"It's very hard because obviously our guys put in a lot of time making sure everything is perfect to them and to our standard," he said.

"To send an animal away to help someone else is a difficult thing, it's like sending your children away.

"There is a place in Queensland that has been very supportive of us and we have of them. I know they are very keen to acquire a new bloodline so I'd like them to go there.

"But we don't necessarily have a final say because it is about helping these guys as a collection in Australia."

 

In case I have missed it would the two adults be imports from South Africa hence the new bloodlines!

 

Sumatran Tigers - Ballarat has received male, Satu from Beerwah

 

Yes, they are a new bloodline from South Africa:

"On August 27, 2018, at 7pm Amari was born at Billabong Zoo to parents Misty and Milo, African lions who were brought to Port Macquarie in September, 2016.

His keepers, Christie Brown and Brooke Stone, have dedicated round-the-clock care since his birth and have formed a strong bond with the cub.

Misty and Milo were born at a conservation centre in South Africa and have now strengthened the bloodline by adding Amari, who will play a vital role in conservation around Australia for years to come."

Historic cub: lion conservation adds Port Macquarie bloodline

 

I didn't realise but apparently, Ballarat received a female (Maneki) from Australia Zoo in December 2018. Satu and Maneki have one offspring together (Reggie born 2016).

I wonder if the export of three tigers - Clarence, Maneki and Satu from Australia Zoo over the last couple of years, will allow for more breeding now they have increased space at their facility. Unless of course, these exports were planned to free up space as the three tigers born 2016 matured. Kaitlyn (from Indonesia) turns 12 in December this year, so it's really their last chance to breed from her again if they want to.

 

Hopefully the studbook will recommend breeding from Maneki and Satu at Ballarat. Even one extra cub from them would be a bonus.. His European bloodlines and her being bred in Indonesia.

 

Agreed. Considering they're founders, Kaitlyn and Maneki (especially Maneki who has only had one cub) have been really under-utilised in the breeding programme. In addition, Kaitlyn's two litters were both sired by males from the most established bloodline in the Australasian region.

 

Male Sumatran Tiger, Sendiri has been PTS at Orana Park. He was born at Taronga in 2003 and had been at Orana since 2006

Rare Sumatran tiger dies at Christchurch wildlife park

 

Sad news indeed. Good to know his brother is still in good health; as is their other litter mate, Jumilah, at Taronga Zoo.

It’s interesting to note the differences between the two brothers:

Orana Wildlife Park exotic species manager Rachael Mason, who has known Sendiri since he arrived at the park aged 2, said he was "larger than life, confident and loved everyone ... the exact opposite to his brother".

The longer and leaner of the pair, Sendiri was built like a runner where his brother was "heavy up front like a boxer" making it relatively easy to tell them apart, she said.

It sounds like Sendiri took after his father in personality; while Dumai is more like his mother, Assiqua, who will turn 20 in May this year.

Orana Wildlife Park has four small interconnected tiger exhibits, which I believe Sendiri and Dumai had the run of two each on any given day, to give them maximum space.

As a third generation tiger of the region’s founders, Dumai would be considered one of the more valuable tigers in the region; however with Berani (also third generation) being 5 years younger and still unpaired at Auckland Zoo, I think it’s more likely Auckland Zoo will receive a tigress for breeding than Orana Wildlife Park.

I’d love to be proved wrong, and see Orana Wildlife Park import a tigress; but in all likelihood, Dumai will just live out in his days in a very decent sized tiger exhibit.