Second lion at Chicago-area zoo dies after sustaining injuries

The Chicago-area Brookfield Zoo announced Tuesday that the second of its two African lions has died less than two weeks after her mate was euthanized for age-related reasons earlier in the month.

The zoo said in its announcement that the 14-year-old female lion, Isis, appeared to have fallen and injured herself in her habitat’s moat, and zoo officials made “the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her” based on her injuries.

“The safety and well-being of the animals in our care is our utmost priority,” Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs, said in the announcement. “Although it is unclear what caused her fall, we are reviewing all aspects of this tragic occurrence.”

Isis’s mate Zenda was euthanized Jan. 2 at 13 years old. Both lions arrived at the zoo in 2008. “Isis and her mate were majestic animals who had a strong bond. The staff, who dedicated their lives to care for these charismatic lions, are heartbroken by their loss,” Zeigler said in the statement.

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The Chicago Zoological Society staff is devastated to announce the sudden loss of our female African lion, Isis. Her death comes less than two weeks after the loss of her mate Zenda, Brookfield Zoo’s male African lion, who was euthanized due to age-related issues that impacted his quality of life. Animal care staff checked on 14-year-old Isis in her outdoor habitat yesterday morning shortly after 9:00 a.m. and all appeared normal. However, upon revisiting the habitat a short time later, she was observed laying on the floor of the moat. Although not witnessed, it appears that Isis fell and was injured. Despite the immediate and intensive treatment provided by the veterinary staff, Isis sustained significant injuries and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her today. 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. Both Isis and Zenda arrived at Brookfield Zoo in May 2008. They could often be seen grooming one another and sleeping together. Isis and Zenda were majestic animals who had a strong bond. The animal care staff, who dedicated their lives to care for these charismatic lions, are heartbroken by their loss. #BrookfieldZoo

A post shared by Brookfield Zoo (@brookfieldzoo) on Jan 14, 2020 at 3:17pm PST