21 today ... yawn

Suzy - Rotorua's first lion born in captivity - has come of age.

The large African feline has turned 21 - a milestone she would have been lucky to reach if she lived in the wild.

Suzy was the first lion born at the wildlife park to mating pair Sheba and Leo and has wooed many visitors since, Paradise Valley Springs general manager Kay Clarke said.

"People are always coming back and telling us how they have pictures of their kids patting her when she was little. She has a lovely nature and people just adore her."

Suzy is the pride of the wildlife park and leader of her pride - at this stage - but that could all change as she ages.

"She is a powerful presence in the pride. She is still up there with the dominant lions but one of her sisters, Jenny, is making herself felt too. It's like she is challenging and trying to take over," Ms Clarke said.

As one of the park's main breeding lionesses, Suzy has given birth at least six times and proved herself as a good mother to other lion's cubs.

"She has taken on a protective role with the cubs. We always introduce her to any cubs first when we are introducing them to the rest of the pride."

A few years ago Suzy underwent surgery when a bone became lodged in her bowel. She recovered well. However, age is catching up with her. She is blind in one eye and some of her teeth are falling out.

"In the wild a lion would be lucky to live half her age. They have to deal with predators and if they get sick there isn't a vet to treat them," Ms Clarke said.

To celebrate Suzy's birthday, tour groups are singing Happy Birthday to her.