Lion Couple At Chicago Zoo Dies Only A Few Days Apart
Jan 29, 2020 by apost team
The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago has not have been having a good start to the New Year as their lions, Zenda and Isis, have both died.
The lions, an inseparable bonded pair, had been a fixture since their arrival in 2008. Had they lived a little longer, they would have respectively turned 14 and 15 this year.
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Around Christmas, the Brookfield Zoo’s animal care staff noticed that Zenda, the male lion, was having trouble standing and walking. The veterinarians put him on medication to ease his pain. On January 2, however, his condition took a dramatic turn for the worse, and the Zoo made the sad and hard decision to put Zenda to sleep. During the necropsy, the veterinarian found that Zenda had several ruptured and degenerated discs in his back. His condition was not one that could have been treated through surgery, The Brookfield Zoo reports.
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Isis, who had been the first lioness at the zoo in 15 years when she arrived, initially seemed to be in good health after Zenda’s death. On January 13, however, staff found her lying in the moat, where she had apparently fallen. The veterinarian found that Isis was badly injured. Given her age, it was kinder to have her humanely euthanized.
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The Zoo posted a message on Facebook that they considered the well-being and safety of their animals a top priority. They did not yet know why Isis had fallen, but they were investigating the matter.
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Zenda and Isis had been among the most popular of the Zoo’s animals, according to the Brookfield Zoo. They were mates with a very strong bond and were often seen grooming each other or napping or snuggling together like a pair of very large house cats.
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Visitors and members of the Zoo have sent their condolences and described their memories of the charismatic couple. The lions were also considered good ambassadors for their species, as the African lion is now a vulnerable species that needs protection and support.
What are your thoughts on zoos and the keeping of animals in artificial environments? Had you ever seen Zenda or Isis at the Brookfield Zoo? Please tell us your comments in the space below and send links about this story to your friends and family that may be animal lovers.