Shock loss: Monarto Safari Park’s lion cub Khari dies

Khari, Monarto Safari Park’s one-year-old lion cub, has died following spinal surgery. It comes only a day after Adelaide Zoo lost its beloved tiger Rhani.

Monarto Safari Park is mourning the passing of one-year-old male African Lion cub Khari (Bottom right pictured with his mum Husani and Kashka. Picture: Zoos SA

South Australian zoo keepers are mourning the death of one-year-old male African Lion cub Khari who was euthanized on Monday – one day after the Adelaide Zoo’s female Sumatran Tiger.

The Monarto Safari Park lion cub died four days after spinal surgery at the Roseworthy Veterinary Campus in a last ditch effort to correct a condition affecting him since about six months old.

Khari’s cervical vertebrae was narrow causing the compression of his spinal cord, making it difficult for him to walk properly.

It was hoped the spinal surgery would give Khari a chance of leading a normal life after his condition deteriorated further earlier this month.

Monarto Safari Park is mourning the passing of one-year-old male African Lion cub Khari after he was humanely euthanised. Picture: Zoos SA

While the surgery went well, it was not without risk – and by Monday he limbs were paralysed.

“The decision to euthanise an animal is never made lightly, but given the seriousness of Khari’s condition this was a kindest course of action for him,” said Monarto Safari Park Director Peter Clark.

“Along with his sisters, he was a fantastic ambassador for the plight of his cousins in the wild and will be sorely missed by many,” said Mr Clark.

On Sunday, the Adelaide Zoo’s 13-year-old female Sumatran Tiger Rhani was euthanized after vets discovered significant blood loss from a number of aggressive tumours in her abdomen.

There are less than 16,000 African Lions and just 400 Sumatran Tigers estimated to be left in the wild.