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Tag: Lion

North Carolina Zoo Announces the Arrival of New Male Lion

North Carolina Zoo Announces the Arrival of New Male Lion

NC Zoo
https://youtube.com/shorts/9EIlAXPje6I?feature=share ASHEBORO N.C. (NC ZOO) - The North Carolina Zoo is excited to officially announce its new male lion, Haji, has arrived.  Haji, three years old and weighing 400 pounds, came from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans as a companion for the Zoo's female lion Mekita, 13. The Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) Lions Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended the pairing.   Mekita's last mate—23-year-old Reilly—died in August 2022, leaving her as the Zoo's only lion. Reilly lived at the Zoo for 21 years, spending most of his time as Mekita's mate. Haji was brought to the Zoo mainly as a companion for Mekita because lions are big cats that live in social groups called prides.   Although Haji arrived in...
North Carolina Zoo Announces Death of Male Lion

North Carolina Zoo Announces Death of Male Lion

NC Zoo
Photo: NC Zoo ASHEBORO N.C. (NC ZOO)- The North Carolina Zoo sadly announces the death of Reilly, a 23-year-old African lion who had been battling renal disease for several years. Reilly was the oldest male lion in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institution. "He was so tolerant of his rambunctious offspring and was fiercely devoted to his lady lion, Mekita," said Zookeeper Beth Malott, who worked with Reilly for eight years. "Reilly was a one-of-a-kind soul, and his morning roars will be greatly missed." Reilly had been battling renal disease for several years, and with his advanced age and weakened physical state, the animal care team and veterinarians made the heart-wrenching, quality-of-life decision to euthanize him. "Renal disease is not uncommon for a...