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Melbourne Zoo farewells sick, ageing lion Chaka

One of Melbourne Zoo's beloved lions was euthanased on Friday morning after developing a neurological disease that affected his ability to move.

Chaka was diagnosed with the degenerative nerve disease several months ago, with zoo keepers and veterinarians making the heartbreaking call following a decline in health during the week.

Chaka's death comes three months after the 15-year-old's brother Zuri was euthanased suffering the same age-related disease.

Their sole-surviving brother, Harare, does not show any signs of it, the zoo says.

Chaka. Source: Melbourne Zoo

"At almost 16, Chaka lived a longer life than lions in the wild, and his life span was within the average zoo life expectancy for their species of 14 to 18," a Melbourne Zoo spokepserson said.

"This is an especially sad loss for the Carnivore team they are confident this was the right time to say goodbye," Carnivores Department Manager Adrian Howard said.

Harare, Chaka and Zuri were born on New Years day in 2001.

Veterinarian Sarah Firth says Chaka lost his hearing and eyesight and became withdrawn and unresponsive.

"We anticipated it wouldn't be long before he couldn't get up, and, after he has had such a good life, we didn't want him to experience that trauma" Dr Frith said in a statement on Friday.

"This was absolutely the right time for us to let him go, before that happened."

An autopsy is expected to be carried out at Melbourne University's Werribee Veterinary Clinic on Friday.

The Zoo said Chaka would be "very much missed" by all involved.

"The Zoo team has done their very best to keep Chaka comfortable as long as possible, and they have now made a compassionate decision," director Kevin Tanner said.