Oldest Lions in Australasia Euthanised at Orana Wildlife Park

Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park is mourning the loss of three elderly lions – sisters Leah and Meeka, aged 22, and Meeka’s son, Mambila, 15 – who were euthanised on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after months of declining health. The lions were humanely euthanised due to degenerative, age-related health issues, including muscle atrophy, suspected arthritis, and incontinence.

Chief Executive Rachel Haydon described the day as “a very sad day for our team,” adding, “It is with heavy hearts and much sadness we share the news of the passing of these three elderly lions.” The “agonising decision” was made to prioritize the wellbeing of the animals, allowing them to “pass with grace as all three cats were declining in health.”

Leah and Meeka were the oldest lions in Australasia at the time of their deaths, having lived exceptionally long lives. Male lions typically live 10-14 years in the wild, with lionesses living slightly longer. The park attributed the lions’ longevity to the “extraordinary care provided by our dedicated animal and veterinary teams.”

Dr. Tristan Kamps, Orana’s lead veterinarian from Rangiora Vet Centre, explained that the decision to euthanise the lions together was based on their highly social nature. “Lions are highly social and family-oriented animals,” he said. “Sisters Leah and Meeka lived their entire 22 years together, and Mambila shared a particularly close bond with his mother. Prolonging the decision for one or more animals would have severely compromised their welfare beyond the degenerative issues they were already facing.”

Kamps further explained that separating the lions or attempting to integrate them with Orana’s remaining pride of two males would have likely resulted in a negative welfare state or potentially fatal consequences, given lions’ territorial behavior.

Haydon emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. “Making these heartbreaking decisions is the most difficult part of what we do, but we must always prioritise the animal’s wellbeing and right to live with dignity.” She added that the team had been closely monitoring the lions’ condition for months, ensuring they were comfortable and receiving the best possible care.

The lions, who spent their entire lives together at Orana Wildlife Park, had been under intensive veterinary care and monitoring for their age-related ailments. Staff described Leah as a vocal cat with a strong presence, while Meeka was a protective mother, and Mambila, a “Mumma’s boy” with a distinctive squeaky roar.

“These lions were treasured members of our whānau,” Haydon said. “They will be deeply missed by everyone who cared for them throughout their lives and our community who enjoyed meeting them.” The park will provide wraparound support to the keepers who worked closely with the animals.

The announcement comes after a major investigation was launched into Orana’s animal welfare procedures and culture in 2024, following reports from 20 current and former zoo workers alleging overworked staff and concerns about animal care. The Ministry for Primary Industries investigated and made multiple recommendations, all of which were accepted by the park.