Shia was found to be unwell while one of the guides was taking a tour around the park. The tour was moved on from the area, and staff were immediately called to attend to the sick cat. Unfortunately by the time the enclosure had been secured, and Zion was moved to the lock off area - Shia had passed away.

Shia was born on 16th September 1999, and along with her brother Zion, was hand raised orginally at Zion Wildlife Gardens Kerikeri before making the big move to Whangarei. Shia and Zion lived together in purrrrrrrfect harmony. Shia being the submissive sister when it came to food time - always allowing Zion to eat first. Most days, Shia could be found sunbathing with her paw resting across Zion's side, or the two or them stretched out side by side on their favourite rock.
Shia will be remembered for her characteristic and expressive personality, her beautiful face and outstanding markings, her smoochieness and her grouchiness (we always knew what mood Shia was in just by her facial expressions), her roly poly play time, her cute way of talking to the staff while they cleaned her enclosure and of course the loving bond that she had with her brother.

The staff at Zion are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our much loved cats.