GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — The Lee Richardson Zoo has announced the death of one of its African Lions.
The zoo says 10-year-old Asani had developed neurological issues last month and had not responded well to treatment. His condition started to rapidly decline over the last several days, and the decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
Asani first came to the zoo in 2016 with his brother, Bantu. Bantu and lions Razi and Amali remain at the zoo.
“His wide eyes and timid demeanor made him stand out amongst the other lions and made it easy for staff to love him,” says Animal Care Curator Carrie Thurman in a Facebook post from Lee Richardson Zoo. “He moved at his own pace, whether it be shifting inside or savoring his diet. His modest personality made it even more special when he would get excited for his diet by doing his ‘bunny hops.’”
Lee Richardson Zoo says a preliminary necropsy shows that Asani had contracted meningitis. Meningitis can be contracted through viruses, bacteria, protozoa, bacteria spread by parasites like fleas and ticks, and even inflammation from auto-immune diseases. However, some forms are idiopathic, having no identifiable cause.
Lions are the second largest big cat species, after the Amur (Siberian) Tiger. Though not considered endangered, their numbers in the wild have declined by over half, with just 20,000 to 30,000 left. They are considered a vulnerable species at high risk for extinction.
For more information about Garden City’s Lee Richardson Zoo and its programs, click here.
