Lions Boys return to Wellington Zoo

On Friday December 3 Wellington Zoo’s two male lions, Malik and Zulu will return to Wellington Zoo after a two year working holiday at Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch.

This was the lions’ first breeding opportunity, and in their time at Orana Wildlife Park Malik sired five youngsters (two females and three males). Unfortunately Zulu did not sire any youngsters.

The boys will be transported by truck and ferry to Wellington and while they will be tranquilized for the whole trip, they will only be anaesthetised for transfer to their travel crates They have been medically-conditioned to receive injections so as to minimise stress throughout the procedure.

On their return to Wellington, the boys will be introduced to the Zoo's three female lions in their newly refurbished enclosure "We are very excited about having all five lions together in the same space for the first time" says Paul Horton, Team Leader Carnivores at Wellington Zoo.

"We are really pleased that they have made such a great contribution to the Orana Park breeding programme and we look forward to having some of that same success here",

Orana Park Animal Collection Manager, Ian Adams, says staff will miss the big cats: “Malik and Zulu have been immensely popular with staff, volunteers and especially amongst Park visitors. They are nice natured cats and it has been a pleasure to work with them.”

“The movement of the lions between the two organisations is a great example of how zoos work together for species conservation” said Ian.

ENDS

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