GRAND RAPIDS, MI — John Ball Zoo’s lioness, Abena, has died due to complications with arthritis.
Abena was a 17-year-old African lion, less than a month shy of turning 18. She came to John Ball Zoo from San Diego Wild Animal Park in 2007. The zoo announced her passing on Wednesday, April 24.
According to the zoo, Abena was receiving special veterinary care due to her arthritis over the last year, getting a monthly injection to improve her comfort. The arthritis was a result of the lion’s old age, as the median life expectancy for an African lion is about 17 years.
Last week, the Grand Rapids zoo announced an X-ray showed Abena had developed some “arthritis-like changes in her spine” and as a result would be resting indoors instead of being on display in the hilly terrain of the lion habitat.
“Over the weekend, the animal care team felt that the medications were no longer enough to keep (Abena) moving comfortably and made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her due to arthritis and mobility challenges caused by her advanced age,” the zoo said Wednesday. “The animal care team worked hard to ensure Abena stayed as comfortable, healthy and happy as she could for as long as she could.”
Abena formed a strong connection with the zoo’s male lion, Kiume, who has been at John Ball Zoo since 2012. The two lions would often be seen laying together in their habitat.
“She will always be remembered for her feisty and confident personality,” John Ball Zoo wrote on social media. “Abena was a very special cat who loved to spend time lounging in the sun. She will be very missed. We want to thank everyone for your kindness during this difficult time.”
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