Two sisters of the subspecies Atlas lion or Barbary lionwere sacrificed to the 22 years in it belfast zooNorthern Ireland. Theiba and Fidda They were considered «the rarest lionesses in the world», being one of the few remaining specimens of their lineage in captivity, currently extinct in the wild.
«We are saddened to share the news that our two remaining Barbary lionesses have passed away peacefully,» the institution’s authorities said in a statement posted on their Facebook account.
«They were both 22 years old, an age much older than the average life expectancy of lionsboth in the wild and in captivity,» they added.
They revealed that in recent weeks Thheiba’s health had deteriorated noticeably. «He suffered mobility problems and weight loss, so after a veterinary evaluation, we decided to euthanize him and end his suffering,» they indicated.
The decision generated controversy on social networks, with hundreds of comments in response to the post with the sad news, shared on March 6.
Some asked if there was another alternative, since Fidda was still in good general condition. Others asked what criteria they had applied and what veterinary professionals had said when assessing the lionesses’ conditions.
The zoo argued that it was the only option taking into account the characteristics of the species: «Lions are pride animals very sociable who depend on group company, Thheiba and Fidda had lived together their entire lives and shared a very strong bond.; so on veterinary advice to avoid significant stress and welfare issues if left alone, Fidda was also euthanised.”
They said that during their lives «the sisters received exceptional care» and became key contributors to conservation.
They were part of the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Ex-Situ Program (EEP), producing multiple offspring and helping to secure the future of Barbary lions.
«The longevity of Thheiba and Fidda, their strong bond and their vital role in conservation are testament to our long-standing commitment to the care and conservation of this iconic species, now extinct in the wild,» they said.
«Both lionesses will be fondly remembered by the staff who cared for them and the thousands of visitors who loved them,» they said.
The story of the lionesses Fidda and Theibba, together from their birth to their death
In November 2025, the same zoo had celebrated the feline sisters’ 22nd birthday through a post on Facebook. In that publication they revealed the story of Fidda and Theibba.
They were born at Port Lympne Safari Park in 2003, before being moved to Belfast in 2005. «Fidda, who is distinguished by the fluffy white mane that has grown in his old ageis the most playful; always the first to interact and loves to climb»; they detailed.
Fidda gave birth to several cubs in her youth when she partnered with the only male lion Qays. Together they secured the lineage in captivity.
«Theibba prefers a quieter life than her sister; always a little more shy, but she is never far from Fidda, she loves the tranquility and lying on the cool bed that her care team provides her every day,» they commented on that anniversary.
What is a Barbary lion and how is it different from other lions?
The first specimens of Barbary lions first arrived at Belfast Zoo in the 1960s, and since then they have participated in various conservation programs to ensure the continuity of the species.
The Atlas lion, also known by its scientific name, Panthera leo leois a subspecies of lion native to North Africa, it has a wild longevity estimated between 10 and 12 years, but in captive conditions they can live an average of 20 years.
Males are generally larger than other species, and can weigh up to 300 kilos. They are distinguished by their thick black hair, which spreads to the bellyin addition to more robust legs for mountainous terrain.
In the past was considered «a real animal»and the emperors Romans often imported them from North Africa. In medieval England they were kept in the Tower of London, where the skulls of two Barbary lions were found in a moat in 1937.. They became extinct in the wild around 1940, due to overhunting and habitat destruction.
The Irish institution indicates that less than 200 specimens survive in captivity in zoos and breeding centers. Furthermore, genetic studies suggest that finding pure specimens is increasingly difficult, with the majority being crosses between species.
