Meet Zulu and Malik, Auckland Zoo’s returning lions

August 16, 2018

The pair have just arrived at their birthplace in Auckland, after a meticulously-planned roadie and plane trip from Wellington.

Auckland Zoo have welcomed back two lions, after half-brothers Malik and Zulu made their way from Wellington Zoo to Auckland’s Africa precinct today.

“Malik and Zulu are very charismatic lions and will be missed at Wellington Zoo, but we are thrilled that the Auckland community will be able to connect with the males and learn more about this incredible species,” says Jo Richardson, Animal Care Manager at Wellington Zoo.

Their journey to Auckland Zoo included a drive from Wellington Zoo to Palmerston North’s airport, then a flight to Auckland on a New Zealand Post cargo plane.

They were then driven to their new home, where they were born 14 years ago.

In June, Auckland Zoo made the tough but kindest call to euthanise its remaining lions, elderly females Kura and Amira, the mothers of Malik and Zulu.

The Zoo speaks to TVNZ 1's SUNDAY programme about the decision to put down Kura and Amira.

Wellington Zoo, also home to female lions, is enabling the half-brothers to stay at Auckland Zoo for a period while it is without a pride.

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