A major city zoo has made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize a healthy lioness to spare her the pain of living without her male partner.
Adelaide Zoo posted on Facebook that the beloved African lion couple Amani and Mujambi were euthanized on Thursday for humane reasons.
The zoo said the 19-year-old male Mujambi suffered a medical episode over the weekend and that “despite the best care of our veterinary team, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.”
It was then decided to euthanize the 23-year-old female Amani shortly afterwards rather than leave her to languish for her lost companion.
“The negative well-being and aspects of her life without Mujambi were determined to outweigh the positive aspects of being alone,” the zoo said in a statement.
The lions were considered elderly, while the African predators in the wild usually only lived to about 15 years.
Adelaide Zoo director Dr Phil Ainsley said it was a difficult decision.
“Choosing the right time to say goodbye to an animal is a hardship but also a blessing.”
Adelaide Zoo’s beloved African lion pair Amani (left) and Mujambi (right) humanely euthanized
Integrating Amani into another pride 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 outcome for the animals in our care, we must also consider species-specific behaviour.’
Dr. Ainsely said lions are a social species and the likelihood of integrating Amani into another group or environment was deemed too risky and stressful for her given her age.
Adelaide Zoo curator Deb Barry said Amani was the oldest lioness in Australia and had a special bond with Mujambi.
“Despite appearances, (she) was very closely associated with Mujambi,” she said.
“Yes, she swiped at him, growled and bossed him around, but she also didn’t want to be further away from him than his shadow.
‘Our goalkeepers are very sad. They have cared for Amani and Mujambi for years. Their care has resulted in both lions living to a considerable age, much longer than the usual life expectancy.”
‘In the wild, African lions live about fifteen years. Under human care in a zoo or safari park, lions can live into their twenties. At 23 and 19, both lions were in the final stages of their lives,” says Barry.
Adelaide Zoo has one website ‘Remembering African Lions Mujambi and Amani’, where messages can be posted for the zoo team that cared for the lions.
Facebook users are saddened by the news and say goodbye to Amani and Mujambi.
‘Oh, that’s such sad news. Mujambi and Amani were such beautiful animals and adored by many,” read one message.
‘I loved taking pictures of the majestic Mujambi, even if he tried to pee on us!’
“Absolutely devastated by the news but love to everyone who has cared for and loved Armani and Mujambi over the years,” another added.
‘Truly beautiful lions who have helped educate and inspire so many in conservation. Sad day.’
