Lake Superior Zoo’s 15-year-old lion Lily dies

DULUTH, MN-- Lake Superior Zoo staff is mourning the loss of a loved lion and friend.

The zoo told us Tuesday, their African lion, Lily, passed away at almost 15 years old.

“I had the privilege of being one of Lily’s keepers since she was 2 years old. I got to watch her grow up. I will miss her “talking” to me every day. Our zoo, and my life, will not be the same without her,” said Director of Animal Care, Lizzy Larson.

According to zoo staff, Lily started showing signs of potential illness last week and became progressively worse.

After zookeepers and vet staff did a full exam, they found a possible mass and free fluid around her heart and chest.

Health officials made the difficult decision to euthanize her given her age and limited treatment options.

“Lily was a beautiful lady with lots of spunk and personality. She loved her siblings and keepers dearly. She would always have a thorough “good morning” chat with me, and I will greatly miss that,” said Primary Carnivore Keeper, Hannah Remington.

The 300-pound cat loved rubbing on the windows and interacting with guests, rubbing on special scent enrichments, rolling in a pile of her siblings and hearing herself roar.