Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty
“The new year has begun on a very sad note at Brookfield Zoo,” the Chicago zooshared on their websiteon Tuesday.
“We have had to announce the passing of our male and female African lions, Zenda and Isis. They would have turned 14 and 15 this year, respectively,” the facility added.
According to the zoo, the “inseparable bonded” pair, who both arrived at the zoo in 2008, died within days of each other. Male lion Zenda was euthanized on Jan. 2 and lioness Isis died on Jan. 13.
“Just before this past Christmas, animal care staff observed Zenda having difficulty standing and walking. Veterinarians had been treating his symptoms with medication to help ease the pain. However, on January 2, his well-being declined dramatically and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him,” the zoo explained, adding that a necropsy revealed that the male lion had several inoperable degenerative discs in his spine that had ruptured.
Isis’ caretakers immediately went to work treating the lioness’ injuries, but found they were too “significant” to treat fully. The zoo’s team of caretakers eventually made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Isis.
Raymond Boyd/Getty
“The safety and well-being of the animals in our care is our utmost priority. Although it is unclear what caused her fall, we are reviewing all aspects of this tragic occurrence,”Brookfield Zoo wrote on Facebookfollowing the incident.
The lion couple is remembered for their protective and devoted bond to one another, which included plenty of grooming and cuddly naps, and their charismatic personalities.
source: people.com
