Brookfield Zoo's African Lion Dies

BROOKFIELD, IL — The new year began on a sad note at Brookfield Zoo, as the Chicago Zoological Society announced the loss of Zenda, its male African lion, who would have turned 14 this July, according to a news release.

Just before Christmas, animal care staff observed Zenda was having difficulty standing and walking, the release said. Over the past week, veterinarians had been treating his symptoms with medication to help ease the pain. However, on Thursday, his health declined dramatically and the difficult decision was made to euthanize him, the society said. Preliminary necropsy results revealed Zenda had several degenerative discs in his spine that had ruptured as a result of his advanced age and were inoperable.

Zenda, who was considered geriatric, arrived at Brookfield Zoo in May 2008. In his later years, he began losing his "impressive" mane, the news release said, but his roar could often be heard from across the park. He was considered protective of his mate, Isis, who also arrived in 2008. He could often be seen either grooming Isis or sleeping with a paw on her.

Zenda even cooperated in his own health care by participating in voluntary blood draws taken from his tail and presenting a paw for vaccine injections, according to the news release.

Staff will monitor and work closely with Isis, who will turn 15 this year, over the next several weeks to help her adjust to the loss of Zenda, the release said.