Another Cancer-Stricken Lion Euthanized At Denver Zoo

More sad news is coming out of the Denver Zoo this week. Yesterday they had to euthanize another cancer-stricken South African lion named Natal. (Last month a 15-year-old lion named Rian had to be put down after fighting cancer as well.)

From the Denver Zoo's Facebook post:

Denver Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the death of Natal, a female South African lion that would have been 16 next month. Natal was suffering from cancer and having lost her quality of life, zoo veterinarians humanely euthanized her the evening of July 22.

Natal arrived in Denver with the opening of Predator Ridge in the spring of 2004. Natal was best known as the nurturing surrogate mother of an orphaned lion cub, Asali. Asali, born in 2005, was not cared for by her birth mother but got a second chance when Natal took her under her care and raised the cub as her own. Natal then gave birth to a female lion cub, named Kazi on October 25, 2006.

The Zoo also said that their lion pride is facing some "critical age-related health issues."  Natal and Rian both passed away at the age of 15 this year. Another 15-year-old lion named Tawny died in February. 15-year-old Krueger is a male lion that has been diagnosed with cancer and Baby is a 15-year-old female showing signs of inappetence.

Denver Zoo is also home to 15-year-old male Rajah, Rian's brother, and the zoo's two young lions, one year-old female Sabi and a new one-year-old male named Sango. Sango is currently in quarantine after arriving from Ellen Trout Zoo and is expected to begin enjoying his outside yard next week.

Predator Ridge is always one of my favorite stops at the Denver Zoo, it's sad to see so many lions at or near the end of the lives. We'll miss you Natal.