Orana Wildlife Park has announced the passing of three of its elderly lions.

A spokesperson said, “Today is a very sad day for our team. It is with heavy hearts and much sadness we share the news of the passing of three beloved elderly lions – sisters Leah and Meeka (22), and Meeka’s son, Mambila (15).”

“All three cats were declining in health and sadly experiencing age related degenerative muscle wastage, suspected arthritis, and other ailments including incontinence,” the spokesperson said.

“The decision to euthanase the closely bonded family group together is due to their highly social nature. Leah and Meeka lived their entire 22 years together, and Mambila shared a very close bond with his mother,” the spokesperson said.

“Prolonging the decision for one or more of the animals would have severely compromised their welfare beyond the degenerative issues they were already facing,” they said.

“Leaving one elderly lion alone or attempting to integrate them with Orana’s remaining pride of two males would have resulted in a negative welfare state or potentially fatal consequences, given lions’ highly territorial nature,” the spokesperson said.

“Making these heartbreaking decisions is the most difficult part of what we do. This was the kindest call for these majestic animals, allowing them to pass with grace as their condition was declining,” they said.

“All three cats reached old age and Leah and Meeka had exceptionally long lives and were the oldest lions in the Australasian region at the time of their passing,” the spokesperson said.

“Male lions typically live 10 to 14 years and lionesses slightly longer in the wild. This longevity is testament to the extraordinary care provided by our dedicated animal and veterinary teams,” they said.

“Our amazing keepers say it was an absolute privilege to work with these incredible and beautiful animals for many years,” the spokesperson said.

“Leah is remembered as a very vocal cat and a real lioness by the way she carried herself,” they said.

“Meeka is described as a helicopter parent to Mambila, a very protective mum – she would growl at visitors trying to take a photo of him,” the spokesperson said.

“Mambila was a Mumma’s boy, never wandering too far from Meeka, and the team will miss his squeaky roar,” they said.

“Anyone who has farewelled a beloved animal will understand the depth of emotion people experience at such a loss,” the spokesperson said.

“These lions were treasured members of our family and will be deeply missed by everyone who cared for them throughout their lives and by the community who enjoyed meeting them.”