ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — Reilly, the oldest male African lion in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institution, has died at age 23 at the North Carolina Zoo following a years-long battle with renal disease.
The Zoo’s animal care team and veterinarians made the decision to euthanize Reilly based on quality-of-life considerations, given his advanced age and weakened physical condition, according to a Zoo announcement.
“Renal disease is not uncommon for a cat of Reilly’s advanced age,” said Dr. Jb Minter, the Zoo’s director of animal health and chief veterinarian. “The progression of the renal disease along with his previously diagnosed spinal disease proved to be too much.”
Reilly was born at Lincoln Park Zoo on Feb. 7, 1999, and arrived at the North Carolina Zoo in March 2000. He fathered nine offspring—three males and six females—during his time at the Zoo.
Zookeeper Beth Malott, who worked with Reilly for eight years, remembered him as a devoted companion to his mate, Mekita.
“He was so tolerant of his rambunctious offspring and was fiercely devoted to his lady lion, Mekita,” Malott said. “Reilly was a one-of-a-kind soul, and his morning roars will be greatly missed.”
At his peak, Reilly weighed 440 pounds. He weighed 394 pounds at the time of his death.
Male lions in the wild typically live 10 to 15 years, while those under human care have a median life expectancy of 17 years, according to the Zoo.
Mekita remains at the Zoo. Decisions about future pride members will be based on recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
African lions are listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated 23,000 to 39,000 remaining in the wild.
###
