SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Zoo is mourning the loss of 19-year-old African lioness Cleo. The zoo made the announcement through an email, Tuesday.
The zoo says Cleo was being treated for several health conditions including aging joints and progressive kidney disease.
“Over the last few months, Cleo began to show signs that her kidney disease was worsening and that it was beginning to impact her comfort, appetite, and routine. The Zoo's veterinary team performed an examination last week, which confirmed the suspicion that Cleo's kidneys were failing. After careful consideration of all options, the team made the kind decision to euthanize Cleo,” said staff veterinarian Dr. Jenessa Gjeltema.
The zoo says Cleo was one of the oldest lions in the Special Survival Plan population.
She arrived at the zoo in 2007 and in 2014 had a litter of cubs with her longtime mate Kamau, who died in June 2023.
The zoo currently has a younger male African lion named Slamson II. They are planning to introduce him to a younger female to continue conservation efforts.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: New 'Lion King' at Sacramento Zoo named after NBA team mascot
