Zoo Knoxville is devastated to announce the tragic death of their 4-week-old lion cub. The cub was fatally injured on Thursday afternoon, July 14th, following a necessary medical procedure for her mother Amara, who was sedated to be treated for acute renal deficiency. Amara has had several sedations since the cub was born and has always been a good mother and protective of her cub while recovering from anesthesia. Sadly, while coming out of anesthesia following this most recent procedure, Amara injured her cub. Despite immediate intervention by the veterinary team, the cub succumbed to her injuries.
Amara is being closely monitored for signs of distress or grief in addition to being treated for her ongoing kidney issues. As of last report, she had recovered from anesthesia and was resting comfortably with no noticeable signs of agitation. Providing her health remains stable, she will be reunited with her male companion Upepo.
“This is a devastating and heartbreaking loss. It was the request of her keepers that she be named ‘Zuri’, which is Swahili for ‘beautiful’, and that is how we will remember her. Life can be fragile and fleeting, and while this is a reality of our profession, it doesn’t make us immune from the pain of losing an animal. We are grateful for the sympathy and support of our community and colleagues,” said Lisa New, Zoo Knoxville’s President and CEO.
