January 26, 2001
Elderly
zoo lion euthanized
Woodland Park Zoo- PRESS RELEASE
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January 26, 2001 Elderly
zoo lion euthanized |
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| SEATTLE
- Due to declining health, Woodland Park Zoo officials last week euthanized
a female African lion, 21-year-old Sukari. Diagnosed kidney failure, spinal
arthritis, lack of appetite and other age-related complications were compromising
the geriatric cat's quality of life. Lions normally live up to 20 years
in zoos. Zoo animal health staff performed surgery on the lion's eyes several weeks ago, for which she was still under treatment. While her eyes were healing satisfactorily, a necropsy revealed a tumor of the heart and sac around the heart (pericardium), with suspect tumor metastases to the liver. "Treatment options were not realistic for a lion in its twenties," explains zoo Associate Veterinarian Dr. Darin Collins. "Because her health was taking a steady downturn, we opted to humanely euthanize her," adds Collins. The lion's death leaves the zoo with only one lion remaining æ a 9-year-old male, Sukari's son. The zoo for the past two years has been trying to acquire lions of purebred subspecies through the African Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP). "There is currently a waiting list for these big cats which may mean a couple of years for Woodland Park," says zoo Mammal Curator Lee Werle. We will continue to review all possible scenarios and explore future options." Zoo-goers may see the sole lion in the African Savanna exhibit. SSPs are cooperative breeding programs of endangered species throughout North America. The animals are managed as a single genetic pool to ensure a genetically diverse, viable population. SSPs also aim to sustain these animals through public education, conservation fieldwork and scientific research. From Aruba Island rattlesnakes and Humboldt penguins to red pandas and Malayan sun bears, the zoo participates in a total of 30 SSPs.
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