A 21-year-old lion at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston had to be humanely euthanized for age-related issues, according to the zoo.
The say “Christopher” was suffering from declining kidney function, chronic cystic disease of the liver, and arthritis.
Zoo New England President and CEO John Linehan said in a statement, “He will be deeply missed by staff as well as the many visitors who came to see him throughout the years. He was an incredible ambassador for his species and people were drawn to his impressive roar, which could be heard throughout the zoo.”
The zoo says the median life expectancy for lions in captivity is 16.8 years. Christopher turned 21 in July 2014.
Christopher had lived at Franklin Park Zoo since 2001.
