Two of the World’s Rarest Lions Die Peacefully Side by Side

Two of the world’s rarest lions have passed away peacefully at a zoo in Northern Ireland.

Thheiba and Fidda were Barbary lionesses, a subspecies of lion that is now extinct in the wild. The two females were 22 years old, which is much older than the average life expectancy for lions in either the wild or captivity.

They lived at Belfast Zoo, where they received expert care and were favorites among both staff and visitors. The zoo shared the sad news, noting:

“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.”

Barbary lions are a subspecies of lion generally larger than other lions. The males are known for their thick black manes and belly hair. Fossils of Barbary lions dating back between 100,000 and 110,000 years were discovered in the Cave of Bizmoune near Essaouira, Morocco.

Throughout history, Barbary lions were considered royal animals and were kept by Roman emperors and other rulers. The lions were transported from North Africa throughout Europe, and some were even kept at the Tower of London in medieval times.

By the mid-19th century, Barbary lion populations had dramatically declined in their native habitats. They were hunted almost to extinction as bounties were paid for shooting them.

Today, Barbary lions survive only through zoo breeding and conservation programs. Belfast Zoo has housed Barbary lions for many decades, with the first arriving in the 1960s. Thheiba and Fidda were the last at the zoo.

“During their lives, the sisters received exceptional care and became key contributors to conservation as part of the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP), producing multiple offspring and helping secure the future of Barbary lions,” Belfast Zoo said in a press release.

The zoo added, “Both lionesses will be fondly remembered by the staff who cared for them and the thousands of visitors who loved them.”

Their last male lion, Qays, passed away last year.