ST. LOUIS — Saint Louis Zoo personnel announced Monday that its 17-year-old male African lion was humanely euthanized on Friday.
The lion, named Ingozi, was euthanized due to advanced liver and spinal disease, the zoo said in a Facebook post. Male lions in zoos may live into their late teens or early 20s, while male lions in the wild rarely live past the age of 12, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.
"Ingozi was known for his impressive roar and magnificent mane," the zoo's post said. "Guests could often see him lying in the sun and resting on the raised platform in the habitat. The Animal Care and the Animal Health teams provided excellent care for Ingozi throughout his lifetime."
Ingozi was born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2007 and moved to the Saint Louis Zoo a year later. He was paired with lioness Cabara in the zoo's Big Cat Country area and produced multiple litters, which were moved to other zoos where they themselves became parents. The pair were the only two African lions remaining at the zoo.
"He was an attentive mate to Cabara and enjoyed staying by her side," the zoo said. "Ingozi will be greatly missed by his care team and all who knew him."
Cabara is 19 years old and will spend her golden years in the zoo's Big Cat Country area where she will continue to receive dedicated, specialized care, the zoo said.
The news tragically comes less than a week after a beloved chimp at the zoo also had to be euthanized.
