Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo lion Aslan dies
Posted Aug 1, 2023 6:50 pm.
Last Updated Aug 1, 2023 7:13 pm.
Aslan, a 12-year-old African lion living at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, died Monday.
The zoo says its health and welfare team noticed a change in his behaviour on Sunday, adding he was under close observation by his “dedicated care team and veterinary staff” due to a previous kidney and cardiac disease diagnosis.
Due to the concerns surrounding the observation, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo says its team conducted an exam using anesthesia to determine the behaviour changes.
We are saddened to share that our beloved 12-year-old African lion, 'Aslan' passed away yesterday. Saying goodbye to the animals we love & care for is never easy, but it's especially heartbreaking when the loss is unexpected. Aslan will be greatly missed. https://t.co/NOyX99e3vz pic.twitter.com/uinWiltaK4
— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) August 1, 2023
“Although the anesthesia and examination went smoothly, initial diagnostics determined that his kidney disease had significantly worsened since his last exam, and sadly he died during recovery,” the zoo said in a news release.
“We won’t know his cause of death firmly until a necropsy is completed, and we’ll share more information when we know it.”
The zoo says Aslan arrived in Calgary with his brother Baruti from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in July 2012 when the pair were two years old.
African lion Baruti inside the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. (Courtesy Raamiz Asim, supplied)
The two were joined by lionesses Mali and Sabi in 2019.
The median life expectancy for lions in human care is roughly 17 years.
“Saying goodbye to the animals we love and care for is never easy, but it is especially heartbreaking when the loss is unexpected,” the zoo said. “Lions are a social species, and our Animal Care, Health and Welfare Team will be carefully monitoring Baruti, Mali and Sabi following the sudden loss of a member of their pride.”
“We know that our community will be as saddened by this news as we are. Aslan will be greatly missed by staff, volunteers, visitors, and our online community. Please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
