The Löwenbrüder have passed away

Spartacus and Tiberius had been receiving specialized veterinary care since December. “Despite symptomatic treatment, the animals’ quality of life had deteriorated significantly, so that, following extensive consultation with external veterinary specialists, euthanasia remained the only option. While Spartacus suffered from convulsive episodes resembling epileptic seizures until the very end, Tiberius the lion experienced severe limitations in his musculoskeletal system. This manifested in his hind legs giving way,” explains the zoo director and veterinary specialist Dr. Reinhard Pichler.

Both big cats have now been taken to the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna for CT scans. They will then be transferred to the pathology department for further evaluation.

The lion cubs were born on November 16, 2019, at Tierwelt Herberstein and, together with their parents Caesar and Amira and their brother Maximus—who passed away in September 2023—formed the lion pride. Within a very short time, the lion family became a favorite with the public; crowds of visitors flocked to the park, especially during the guided feeding sessions.