06/03/2026
💔 TW- euthanasia
A bitter sweet announcement from my local zoo: so much of my childhood animal obsession was fuelled by visits here, and gosh I always adored the lionesses 💜
But it brings up a very important point for social animals- they need each other.
Our rats are the same. I offer retirement home cagespace for the lasts of groups owners can’t keep rolling anymore, but sometimes when you’re down to only two litter mates and they’re Really old and tired and incredibly bonded… if you take one for euthanasia please consider if maybe taking the other too may be the kindest choice.
No matter your choice, there is no hate here and I’m not telling anyone their choice is wrong btw.
But I have more than once taken in super elderly ‘last of their siblings’, and even though the intros go beautifully, we don’t get to know them for long; often it feels like they’ve been waiting for a little cuddle pile to curl up in and go into their final sleep. *And that is a super nice way to pass by the way! And I’m honoured when I have the opportunity to give them that.
But the stigma of a quality of life euthanasia needs to be gone. Sometimes the slightly physically healthier one of the pair needs to pass away with their sibling. If they’re going to pass within weeks of each other, please consider giving them the chance to do that together.
I have several times, and when they go into the carrier together to be anaesthetised, they’ll almost always choose to lie together to go to sleep. If they don’t, you can place them side by side to take their last breaths together, and I swear, you can feel their comfort from it.
When they’re ready, we need to learn to let them go ❤️
Thheiba and Fidda, two of our beloved lionesses, have passed away at 22 years old. 🦁💛
On veterinary advice, both lionesses were euthanised on welfare grounds. Throughout their incredible lives, they helped support the future of Barbary lions through the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP), producing multiple offspring and contributing to global conservation.
The sisters shared a lifelong bond and only ever separated briefly for veterinary care or husbandry. Staff gave them exceptional care throughout their lives and through their final days, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.
Their legacy of love, companionship and conservation achievement will be remembered by everyone at Belfast Zoo and by the thousands of visitors who came to know and adore Thheiba and Fidda.
For more information: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/news-and-events/news/thheiba-and-fidda
