Lions 'choke to death' lioness at Dallas zoo

VISITORS to a zoo in Dallas watched in horror as two lions attacked and killed a lioness in the same enclosure.

The attack occurred at about 2pm local time on Sunday.

Weekend visitors witnessed a large male pin down by the throat a 5-year-old female lion named Johari.

Witness Michael Henshaw told the local NBC network: "There was no blood, but it held her down for about 10 to 15 minutes till she was lifeless."

Zoo workers fenced off the scene with barriers when they realised what was going on.

Dallas Zoo officials said it was the first time they had known a big cat kill one of its enclosure mates.

"I’ve been in the zoo business for over 35 years. I’ve worked at five major zoos, and I’ve never seen a cat kill another cat before,” said Lynn Kramer, vice president of animal operations and welfare at the zoo.

She said she believed the male "went right for her [Johari's] throat."

The lions that took part in the attack were known as Denari and Kamaia. Kramer said neither of them would be put down.