After the death of "Eisi"

Ladies’ choice at the zoo: new tomcat wanted for “Nala”

The lioness lived with "Eisi", who died on Friday, at Salzburg Zoo for 14 years.(Bild: Gisela Brechenmacher)

The grief is still fresh. It was only on Friday that lion "Eisi" had to be put to sleep at Salzburg Zoo. The zoo and experts want to find out quickly whether the big cat "Nala" will get a new partner. But the lady has the last word.

One day after the sudden farewell to lion "Eisi", everyday life is still far away at Salzburg Zoo. The almost 17-year-old king of the animals had to be put to sleep on Friday. An ultrasound examination left the vet and zoo management with no other option. A tumor in his stomach made life too difficult for the cat of prey.

"Nala" was born in a French zoo in June 2008(Bild: Honorar)

It was also painful for lioness "Nala" to say goodbye to her enclosure companion. She was still looking for her "Eisi" in their shared habitat on Saturday. But she couldn't find him. "Animals naturally show reactions," says Lisa Sernow.

Lisa Sernow is a biologist and curator at Salzburg Zoo(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

"Shaped by a long time together"
The biologist and curator at the zoo spends the weekend with the keepers keeping an eye on the animals. The two big cats have lived together in the Hellbrunn enclosure since 2011. "The long time together has had a huge impact," says the biologist.

Even though the mourning phase has only just begun, the zoo has already contacted international experts. A new partner is being sought for "Nala", as big cat lions are pack animals. "A dedicated coordinator has an overview of Europe's zoo populations," says Sernow. In the coming weeks, this expert will work with the zoo to try and find a suitable partner for "Nala". Whether the almost 15-year-old lioness and a new male will get along is something that only "Nala" herself will ultimately decide.