Lion At Birmingham Zoo Dies At The Age Of 16

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Some sad news was released Tuesday by the Birmingham Zoo, as Kwanza, the zoo's 16-year-old African lion, died after battling health issues including kidney disease and lymphoma.

Zoo officials said Kwanza initially responded to medical treatment but then his appetite decreased and the difficult decision was made to euthanize him.

“Kwanza was a longtime beloved member of our animal family and always received the best care and attention from our Animal Care and Veterinary teams,” Birmingham Zoo president & CEO, Chris Pfefferkorn said. “His passing is a devastating loss for not only our staff and volunteers but also for our guests and members who loved him. Kwanza will always hold a special place in our hearts and he will be deeply missed.”

Kwanza was born on December 24, 2004, at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas. He came to the Birmingham Zoo in February 2006 and resided in the Trails of Africa area of the Zoo.