The zoo was home to three Barbary lions- a species extinct in the wild – consisting of one male named Qays and the two females Thheiba and Fidda
Belfast Zoo has said a deeply sad farewell today to two of its most loved and rarest animals – Barbary lion sisters Thheiba and Fidda.
The 22-year-old siblings were put to sleep due to failing health and their inseparable nature. With the average lion living to just 14 the two were an essential lifeline to the survival of their sub species through international breeding programmes.
The last wild Barbary lion was shot in Morocco in 1942 and now they only live on in zoos and private collections. It’s thought there are just 200 Barbary lions left in the world. The zoo was home to three animals – consisting of one male named Qays and the two females.
A firm favourite at the zoo on the slopes of Cave Hill in North Belfast, where their roars often echoed out to the delight of children of all ages, the lion Thheiba started to experience weight loss and mobility issues and the call was make to euthanise her. As a result and to avoid highly stressing and compromising the welfare of Fidda, she too was put to sleep peacefully.
A statement from Belfast Zoo said: “We’re sad to share the news that our two remaining Barbary lionesses at Belfast Zoo, Thheiba and Fidda, have passed peacefully. Both were 22 years old – much older than the average life expectancy for lions, either in the wild or in captivity.
“During their lives, the sisters received exceptional care and became key contributors to conservation as part of the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme, producing multiple offspring and helping secure the future of Barbary lions, a lion sub-species now extinct in the wild.
“In recent weeks, Thheiba experienced mobility issues and weight loss. We took the decision to euthanise her and end her suffering after a veterinary assessment. Lions are highly social pride animals that rely on companionship within a group.
“Thheiba and Fidda had lived together their entire lives and shared a very strong bond. On veterinary advice, and to avoid significant stress and welfare challenges if left alone, Fidda was also euthanised.
“Belfast Zoo has had an association with lions for many decades, with Barbary lions first arriving at the Zoo in the 1960s. Thheiba and Fidda’s longevity, their strong bond and their vital role in conservation is testament to our long-standing commitment to the care and conservation of this iconic species.
“Both lionesses will be fondly remembered by the staff who cared for them and the thousands of visitors who loved them.”
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