South Australians have responded to the news Adelaide Zoo euthanised African lion Mujambi and his mate Amani following a medical episode

South Australians were left reeling by the news Adelaide Zoo euthanised two lions – but did they agree with the heart-wrenching decision?

Adelaide Zoo has announced the death of its African lion pair – male Mujambi, who was 19, and female Amani, 23. Picture: Adrian Mann

• Shock as zoo euthanises lions

Most South Australians believe Adelaide Zoo keepers made the right call to euthanise two beloved African lions over the weekend.

In an Advertiser online poll, 58 per cent of nearly 3000 respondents agreed with the zoo’s decision to euthanise 23-year-old lioness Amani after her 19-year-old mate, Mujambi, suffered a “medical episode”.

The majroty of Adelaide Zoo goers, who spoke to the Advertiser on Thursday afternoon, also agreed.

Most South Australians agree with the zoo’s decision to put down a pair of African lions. Picture: Tait Schmaal

“They dedicate their whole life to wildlife, so they’re obviously not going to make the wrong decisions,” Kylie Byass, 48, of Brooklyn Park, said.

“As sad as it is … No one wants to be put down, but the animals may be suffering.”

South Brighton man Roeland Van-Schaik agreed.

“The zoo staff know hundred per cent what’s good to happen and what shouldn’t happen, and obviously they felt the time had come, and that they couldn’t do any more for them, and so that’s really the best outcome for any animal,” the 68-year-old said.

”It’s a sad day for the zoo because I’ve been around for a long time, but we don’t want to see any animals suffer.”

Roeland Van Schaik, 68, of South Brighton at Adelaide Zoo. Picture: Dean Martin

Daniela Roscio, 38, with children Luca, 6, Marcus, 3, and Christian, 10 months. Picture: Dean Martin

But Dabiela Roscio, 38, who came to the zoo with her three young boys Luca, 6, Marcus, 3, and 10 month old Christian, and said it was “a little bit disturbing” to hear the lions had been euthanised.

“It didn’t sit well with me, to be honest,” the Norwood local said.

“But, it’s a tough one. I don’t know much about the lions and what their behaviours are like, so initially, just the sound of that sounds a bit sad

“I think they should have assessed, after a period of time, to see if there’s any changes to her behaviour, and then made that decision.”

The zoo announced its decision to euthanise 19-year-old Mujambi and 23-year-old Amani after 16 years together as a bonded pair on Thursday.

Mujambi and Amani were put down by the zoo after 16 years as a bonded pair. Picture: Adrian Mann/Zoos SA

According to a statement released by the zoo, male lion Mujambi suffered a “medical episode” and the “difficult decision was made for him to be humanely euthanised”.

His partner Amani was then put to sleep shortly afterwards because “the negative welfare and aspects of her life without Mujambi were determined to outweigh any positives of remaining alone”.

Mujambi and Amani’s fate was not without precedent.

In April 2021, Wellington Zoo euthanised lioness Zahra “on animal welfare grounds” after her sister Djane was also put down due to illness, according to the zoo’s website.

Vets determined Zahra’ welfare “would have been severely compromised if she was left to live as a solitary lion” and moving her to another zoo was unrealistic “due to her old age and the social dynamics of lions”.

The following week, Auckland Zoo also euthanised lion brothers Zulu and Malik.

Even though Malik was earlier into his illness, “attempting to integrate him with any other lions would (have been) extremely dangerous and likely fatal” according to the zoo’s head of veterinary services Dr James Chatterton.

Flinders University biological sciences researcher Dr Gerrut Norval was saddened by Thursday’s news but believed euthanising Amani “was the right thing to do” because it is unlikely she would have successfully merged into another pride.

“When feeding, the lionesses compete with each other and fights do occasionally break out,” Dr Norvul said.

“Prides usually consist of related lionesses and if a lioness from another pride is accepted into a pride, which only occasionally happens, it is usually a young lioness.

“As an old lioness, Amani would very likely have had serious issues and would unlikely be able to thrive and survive if attempts were made to incorporate her.”

Originally published as South Australians have responded to the news Adelaide Zoo euthanised African lion Mujambi and his mate Amani following a medical episode