Relocating the two adult lions (each weighing around 200 kg) was a logistical challenge and required a great deal of preparation. Transport crates were built, operating tables specially made, and a large interdisciplinary team of veterinarians, zoologists and animal keepers was brought together. The Jungle World briefly became a veterinary clinic, with a digital X-ray machine and the latest ultrasound, ventilation and monitoring technology set up inside the house.
The Hellabrunn Zoo veterinary team was supported by Associate Professor Dr Sven Reese from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and for medical technology by Dr Stefanie Pfleger from Esaote Ultrasound Technology. After completing all the necessary preparations, the two lions were then anaesthetised with a tranquiliser dart using a dart gun on the day of the move and given a full health check by the team.
"Thanks to many years of cooperation between the external experts and our team at Hellabrunn, we were able to examine Max and Benny from head to the tail. After evaluating all the findings so far, our results show that the two 11-year-old lions are already showing the first signs of health deterioration due to ageing," says Dr Christine Gohl, head veterinarian at Hellabrunn Zoo. "Max suffers from chronic heart failure, which limits his physical resilience. Drug treatment will be administered in a systematic manner. His brother Benny has impaired kidney function due to a pathological change in one of his kidneys. These impairments are not unusual per se in big cats of this age. However, they must be regularly monitored and treated. Benny also needs dental treatment, which we will have to carry out soon.”
After completing the health check, the two big cats, still slightly dazed, were brought to their new home in specially-built transport crates. The crates were then docked to the new building, one after the other, allowing the animals to enter their new dwelling. They will first be given time to recover from the move in peace and quiet in their sleeping boxes equipped with bark mulch and wooden lying platforms, before they can explore the outdoor facilities. Their trusted keepers have been and will continue to remain with them throughout the day and look after them attentively as they settle in.
"Everything went smoothly," says Rasem Baban, zoological director of Hellabrunn Zoo. "The preparation of this very complex and costly health check and relocation, including the cooperation of all those involved, was remarkably professional and exemplary. It fills me with pride what we have achieved at Hellabrunn with this animal-friendly and informative relocation. We can now look forward to the first weeks and months of our two lions in their new home with confidence, but also with a degree of caution.”
With over 2,000 m² of space, the new outdoor enclosure for the lions will be many times larger than that of previous home in the Jungle World. There's a lot of new things for visitors to discover, especially as Max and Benny now have new neighbours: pelicans, alpine ibex and elks, which are also worth a visit. The area around the new lion enclosure will remain sealed off and closed to visitors until the official opening at the end of the month.