Reid Park Zoo is sad to announce the passing of Kaya the African lion, who was humanely euthanized this week at the age of 17. Median life expectancy for lions is 16.9 years.
Kaya was recently diagnosed with a degenerative spinal disease which impacted her ability to move her legs. For a period of time after Kaya began showing symptoms, she was able to engage with her enrichment, play, and move actively throughout her habitat. As her condition progressed, her movements became more difficult. After significant decline this week, the decision was made to move forward with humane euthanasia.
Kaya came to Reid Park Zoo in 2009 when she was 16 months old, and keepers were quick to note her bold, inquisitive, and independent nature. During her years at the Zoo, Kaya was known as a ferocious and loyal lion, who loved playing with her daughter Nayo, sunbathing for hours, and caroling with the other lions in the Zoo’s pride. She was deeply adored by her care team and everyone who visited her at the Zoo.
“I want to take a moment to thank the team that came together for Kaya as her needs changed. The carnivore team provided excellent daily care, the veterinary team worked with outside experts to diagnose and treat her condition, and the maintenance team helped build ramps so Kaya could rest atop her platform and explore her habitat,” said Adam Ramsey, Director of Animal Care. “She will be dearly missed.”
Kaya’s care team affectionately remember her as the queen of the pride, saying she kept them on their toes and challenged them every day. The team provided her with many of her favorite enrichment items in her final days, including hay and substrates from other animal habitats for her to smell and investigate.
Tony and Nayo, the Zoo’s other lions, will receive extra attention from their care team in the coming days to ensure their wellbeing during this transitional period.
