Lee Richardson Zoo announces passing of lion

Garden City, Kan.–Lee Richardson Zoo is saddened to share that the tough decision was made on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to humanely euthanize Asani, a 10-year-old African lion.

Asani started displaying neurological symptoms about 1 month ago, but he was largely unresponsive to treatment. His condition drastically declined over the last few days, forcing the difficult decision to be made to humanely euthanize him due to his quality of life. Preliminary necropsy results point to meningitis as the cause of his neurological issues. Staff and guests alike will miss Asani.

“His wide eyes and timid demeanor made him stand out amongst the other lions and made it easy for staff to love him. He moved at his own pace, whether it be shifting inside or savoring his diet. His modest personality made it even more special when he would get excited for his diet by doing his ‘bunny hops’,” said Animal Care Curator Carrie Thurman.

Lead Keeper Isabelle Fricano recalls Asani just looking at her on some evenings when she’d call him to come inside. “He’d just turn his head away and continue to enjoy the sun. He was a very smart lion.”

Asani came to Lee Richardson Zoo in November 2016 along with his brother Bantu. Bantu, as well as lions Razi and Amali, continue to reside at Lee Richardson Zoo. They carry on as ambassadors for their counterparts who live in the wild, connecting guests with the conservation needs of wild animals and wild places.

Lions are the second largest of the ‘big cat’ species, second only to the Siberian tiger in size. Over roughly the last 30 years, the African lion populations have been cut nearly in half, with just 20,000-30,000 remaining. To learn more about lions, visit Lee Richardson Zoo or visit us online at www.leerichardsonzoo.org.