Orana Wildlife Park has confirmed the death of three of its elderly lions, describing the day as one of deep sadness for staff and the wider community.

An Orana Wildlife spokesperson said the park had farewelled sisters Leah and Meeka, both aged 22, along with Meeka’s son Mambila, aged 15.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

The park said all three animals had been declining in health and were experiencing age related degenerative muscle wastage, suspected arthritis, and other ailments including incontinence.

The decision was made to euthanise the closely bonded family group together due to their strong social bonds and welfare considerations.

“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.

They said delaying the decision for one or more of the animals would have significantly compromised their welfare.

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

The park said leaving one elderly lion alone or attempting to integrate them with the remaining pride of two male lions would have posed serious risks.

“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.

Orana Wildlife Park said the decision was made in line with best practice animal welfare standards.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

Leah and Meeka were among the oldest lions in the Australasian region at the time of their deaths.

“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.

The park said male lions typically live between 10 and 14 years in the wild, with lionesses living slightly longer, and described the trio’s longevity as a reflection of the care they received.

“This longevity is testament to the extraordinary care provided by our dedicated animal and veterinary teams,” the spokesperson said.

Orana Wildlife Park said it followed the Five Domains model of Animal Welfare, a science based framework used internationally to guide animal care and end of life decisions.

The spokesperson said keepers who worked closely with the lions were deeply affected by their loss.

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

Leah was remembered as a very vocal lioness, while Meeka was described as a fiercely protective mother. Mambila was known as a devoted son who rarely strayed far from his mother and was recognised for his distinctive squeaky roar.

“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 they will be deeply missed by everyone who cared for them throughout their lives and by our community who enjoyed meeting them,” they said.

The park thanked staff for ensuring the animals experienced a peaceful and dignified farewell and invited members of the public to share photos and memories of the lions.