NEED TO KNOW
On March 6, the Belfast Zoo announced it euthanized Barbary lion sisters, Thheiba and Fidda
The lifelong companions, both 22, helped conserve the Barbary lion subspecies, which is extinct in the wild
Zoo says the pair shared a strong bond and lived far beyond the average lifespan for a lion
Two beloved sister lions who spent their lives side-by-side at Belfast Zoo have died at the age of 22.
In a release published on March 6, the zoo, located in Northern Ireland, announced that it humanely euthanized Barbary lionesses Thheiba and Fidda — the zoo’s last lionesses of the rare subspecies that is extinct in the wild — due to their declining health. In a statement, the zoo said the pair lived far longer than the typical life expectancy for lions, whether in the wild or in captivity.
“We’re sad to share the news that our two remaining Barbary lionesses at Belfast Zoo, Thheiba and Fidda, have passed peacefully,” the zoo said.
A Barbary lioness
Credit: FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty
According to the zoo, Thheiba had recently developed mobility issues and experienced weight loss in the weeks leading up to her death. After a veterinary assessment, the staff decided to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.
Because lions are highly social animals that rely heavily on companionship within a pride, veterinarians also recommended euthanizing Fidda to avoid the stress and welfare challenges she could face if left alone.
“Lions are highly social, pride animals that rely on companionship within a group,” a statement from the zoo read, noting the sisters had lived together their entire lives and shared an especially close bond.
Both lions were 22 years old, significantly older than the average lifespan for a lion.
During their lives, Thheiba and Fidda played an important role in conservation as part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ex-Situ Programme (EEP), a breeding initiative designed to help maintain genetically healthy populations of endangered animals in human care.
The sisters produced multiple offspring through the program, contributing to efforts to protect the future of Barbary lions, a lion subspecies that is now extinct in the wild.
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Belfast Zoo has a long history with lions, first welcoming Barbary lions in the 1960s. Staff said the sisters’ longevity and their close relationship made them especially memorable to those who cared for them.
“Thheiba and Fidda’s longevity, their strong bond, and their vital role in conservation are a testament to our long-standing commitment to the care and conservation of this iconic species,” the zoo said.
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