ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Zoo announced Monday through a Facebook post that Ingozi, a 17-year-old African Lion was 'humanely euthanized' on Friday after a battle with advanced liver and spinal disease.
According to the Zoo, Ingozi was born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2007, but had been moved to the Saint Louis Zoo since shortly after his first birthday. Over time, Ingozi was paired with female lioness Cabara at Big Cat Country and sired multiple litters.
"Ingozi and Cabara did an excellent job caring for their young." said the Zoo in it a Facebook post. "Once the cubs were grown, they moved on to other zoos and became parents as well, making Ingozi and Cabara grandparents and great-great-grandparents."
The Zoo says Ingozi was known for his impressive roar, magnificent mane and he was an attentive mate to Cabara and enjoyed staying by her side.
Guests could often see him lying in the sun and resting on the raised platform in the habitat.
The zoo says the Animal Care and the Animal Health teams provided excellent care for Ingozi throughout his lifetime.
Cabara, age 19, still currently resides at Big Cat Country and will spend her golden years at the Saint Louis Zoo, the home she’s known for over 17 years. She will continue to receive dedicated, specialized care from our skilled Animal Care and Animal Health teams.