Makini, the last remaining African lion at the Philly Zoo, has died

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The last remaining African lion at the Philadelphia Zoo has died.

Makini was born at Tulsa Zoo and came to Philly in December 2011. He and his mate, Tajiri, had four female cubs just two years after her arrival, in 2014. Just last year, Tajiri had to be euthanized because she had an aggressive form of cancer.

Following her death, the zoo said it closely monitored Makini. Over the last few months, the zoo said he had advanced arthritis and was struggling to move. The zoo decided to euthanize him humanely.

At 17.5 years old, he was considered geriatric. In the wild, lions usually live between 10 and 14 years.

The zoo said he was known for his strong personality and his tongue, which would stick out slightly while he was lounging in the grass.

Makini and Taraji’s deaths have left the future of the zoo's lion exhibit in question. The zoo said it's discussing the situation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit that accredits zoos and aquariums around the world.