MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) – Zoo Miami has announced the death of the last remaining lion, the Kwame. He was euthanized on Friday, the day before his 18th birthday.
Veterinarians said that Mwame was being treated for chronic arthritis. His range of motion and level of comfort were limited, mainly at his upper spine.
Recently, he developed a mobility issue that was gradually getting worse.
“He was showing high levels of discomfort despite a variety of treatments aimed at providing pain relief and quality of life,” the zoo said in a news release.
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Riverview welcomes the hospital’s biggest baby
The zoo team said they had exhausted all their treatment options and made the difficult decision to euthanize him.
According to the Zoo Miami, the mulch had far exceeded the normal lifespan of male lions.
Kwame arrived at Zoo Miami with her brother Jabari from the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin in November 2008.
While at the zoo, authorities said he and Jabrai had fathered several children. The lion brother quickly became a favorite among millions of people visiting the zoo.
Kwame’s brother Jabari passed away in July.
Zoo Miami said it plans to introduce new lions through a lion species survival plan managed by the Zoo and Aquarium Association.
“These lions form the foundation of new pride that follows the legacy of lions before the Kwame, Jabari and the Lions,” the Zoo said.
