‘He was well-loved.’ Santa Barbara Zoo euthanizes one of oldest male lions in North America
The Santa Barbara Zoo had to put down its King of the Jungle on Wednesday after the zoo could no longer manage pain for the geriatric lion’s degenerative spinal disease, officials announced.
Chadwick, 21, was euthanized Thursday after developing generalized pain “associated with spinal changes,” according to a news release. He had lived at the local zoo for 17 years and was its only African lion.
“Chadwick has been dealing with health issues associated with his advancing age for several years,” Dr. Julie Barnes, vice president of animal care and health, said in the release.
According to Barnes, Chadwick developed lameness in his right forelimb two weeks ago and did not respond to multiple treatments for pain relief.
“Three days ago, we performed a CT scan, which confirmed our suspicion that he had progression of degenerative spinal disease, which is common in geriatric carnivores,” she said. “Based on his deteriorating condition and his advanced age, the decision was made for humane euthanasia.”
Chadwick was believed to be the oldest male pedigreed lion alive in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institution, according to the release. (The Association of Zoos and Aquariums monitors and accredits more than 230 zoos around the world, though mostly in the United States.)
Zoo spokeswoman Jennifer Zacharias elaborated that Chadwick was the oldest male lion in an accredited North American zoo, not counting the private sector.
The life expectancy for lions in human care is a little under 17 years, according to the release.
Chadwick was born at the Indianapolis Zoo in 1998, but arrived in Santa Barbara in 2003. As part of the Cats of Africa exhibit, he shared space with female lion Gingerbread, with whom he sired two offspring, according to the release. The two offspring are now at other zoos.
According to the release, after the passing of Gingerbread in 2017, “Chadwick lived on his own, mirroring this natural stage of lion social structure.” Older male lions will typically live on their own in the wild after having been ousted from the pride by younger males.
Chadwick had been receiving medical care for ailments typically associated with aging big cats for several years, according to the release, including cataract surgery in 2010.
“Chadwick lived a healthy, active life here at the Santa Barbara Zoo,” President Rich Block said in the release. “He was well-loved by those who looked after him, and provided a meaningful connection to our guests as a representative for his vulnerable wild counterparts.
“He has been a part of the zoo family for many years, and our staff and volunteers are grieving this significant loss.”
Plans for more lions to take up residence in Cats of Africa are in the works, and may involve a male-female pair with a breeding recommendation, according to the release.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 6:01 PM.
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