Belfast Zoo euthanised its two remaining Barbary lionesses, Thheiba and Fidda, both aged 22. The animals exceeded the typical lifespan for lions in the wild or captivity.

Thheiba developed mobility problems and lost weight in recent weeks. Veterinary assessment led to her euthanasia to stop suffering.

The sisters shared an enclosure their whole lives. Staff followed veterinary guidance to euthanise Fidda as well, avoiding isolation stress.

One male Barbary lion, Qays, remains at the zoo.

The lionesses took part in the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme. They produced several offspring and aided efforts for the Barbary lion subspecies, extinct in the wild.

Barbary lions arrived at Belfast Zoo in the 1960s. The lionesses transferred from Port Lympne Zoo in England.