The Akron Zoo euthanized one of its male African lions, Tamarr, due to chronic kidney disease.
At 20 years old, Tamarr was the second-oldest lion in captivity at an AZA-accredited zoo.
Tamarr arrived at the Akron Zoo in 2007 from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado.
The zoo will work with the African Lion Species Survival Plan to determine the next steps for his companion, Mandisa.
The Akron Zoo says one of its beloved lions has died.
Zoo spokesperson Elena Bell said Tamarr, a male and the leader of one of two lion prides at the zoo, suffered from chronic kidney disease − common for cat species as they age − had to be euthenized.
Bell said Tamarr’s condition made a sharp decline in recent days.
The lion along with his bonded companion, Mandisa, were removed from public view earlier this month.
“I remember when Tamarr first arrived at the Akron Zoo with just a mohawk,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO at the Akron Zoo, in a statement. “He grew into an amazing lion who captures the hearts of both staff and guests. Tamarr was a wonderful ambassador for lions and the Akron Zoo. I am grateful to our animal and vet care staff who have provided Tamarr with exceptional care through the years. He will be missed by us all.”
Tamarr turned 20 in August and was the second-oldest lion in captivity at a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The expected life expectancy for lions is 16 years, 9 months.
Born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado in 2005, Tamarr came to the Akron Zoo in 2007.
The zoo’s second lion pride – Donovan, Kataba and Msinga – will continue to greet visitors daily.
Bell said the zoo will work with the African Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP) for recommendations for the next steps for Tamarr’s bonded companion, Mandisa.
