Luana, the oldest lioness at BIOPARC, has died at the age of 20 due to declining health caused by pancreatic disease. Her calm demeanor with the animal care team and her mischievous personality make her passing especially poignant. Luana, who arrived at BIOPARC in 2010, is particularly deeply felt. The Angolan lion is listed on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature), and the group at the Valencian park is part of an international program working to prevent its extinction.
Video: This was Luana, the beloved lioness of BIOPARC Valencia
When an animal is diagnosed an incurable diseaseAll efforts can only be focused on providing them with the best possible quality of life for as long as possible until, to avoid suffering, the difficult decision must be made to end the situation. This has been the case of the oldest lioness of BIOPARC Valencia, the beloved Luana, whom the veterinary team predicted more than a year ago exocrine pancreatic insufficiencyHaving turned 20 in August, the care, affection and determination of all the staff allowed her to enjoy the maximum well-being until it became unavoidable to perform euthanasia.
The intensification of checkups and analyses, in addition to the application of palliative care, have made it possible that Enjoy the outdoor installation in full public view until the endThis is fundamental at BIOPARC due to its responsibility to provide optimal care for the animals it houses. Although she was showing clear signs of deterioration and her appearance and thinness were striking, it was an opportunity to demonstrate to people that Luana's comfort was paramount, as well as to convey love and make empathy flourish through the animal world.
The Angolan lion is included on the IUCN Red List
The Angolan lion (Panthera leo bleyenberghiThe wolf is listed as “Vulnerable to extinction” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, so BIOPARC has partnered with the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which aims to ensure its survival under human care and following strict scientific guidelines. In this context, in 2010 a group of wolves was transferred from Lisbon Zoo (Portugal) with Luana, from where Later, the male Lubango joined the group.The other two females, Shanga and Tata, were already born at BIOPARC Valencia.
Throughout these years, Luana has demonstrated a strong bond with the animal care team. Her playful personality, which she maintained until her last day, and her patient and participative temperament have been invaluable. essential veterinary training to ensure the health of the animals. Thanks to these non-invasive techniques, procedures such as blood draws and medication administration are performed. These actions are essential, especially for geriatric animals and those undergoing long-term treatments, as was the case with Luana, and particularly once... The final sedation was agreed upon with great sadness and professionalism..
What is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
With the disorder Luana suffered from, her pancreas either did not produce or release enough of the digestive enzymes necessary to properly break down food in the intestine. As a result, in recent months, her malnutrition was evident. The care taken to house living beings in the best possible conditions and the commitment to the preservation of biodiversity Institutions like BIOPARC ensure that these endangered species have spaces and centers where they can develop their natural behaviors. In this way, a "reserve" population is created to guarantee their future existence. Being able to admire such beautiful and beloved animals as Luana until such an advanced age, when the life expectancy of this species is only 12 years in the wild, fills those of us who do this work with passion with satisfaction and pride. Today we can only add, Luana, rest in peace.
