18-Year-Old Lion Passes Away At Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo has announced the passing of an 18-year-old lion named Jonathan.

Jonathan passed away early Wednesday morning due to a blood clotting issue, while also having a low white blood cell count. The Houston Zoo said the findings "are not uncommon in geriatric patients, who often develop the more complex medical conditions."

The zoo discovered that Jonathan was not feeling well and got him into the zoo's hospital immediately. Sadly, despite the veterinary's efforts, he passed away overnight.

The Houston Zoo released this statement regarding Jonathan's passing:

Jonathan spent the majority of his life at the Houston Zoo after being rescued from a private owner when he was just a few years old. Jonathan's regal mane was identifiable to all who visited him at the Houston Zoo, and since his arrival in 2006, has been a guest and keeper favorite. Guests could usually find the elderly lion lounging in the sun, surrounded by his pride of three females.

Dr. Adrian Fowler, Vice President of Animal Operations for the Houston Zoo, also had this to say about the much loved lion:

Jonathan's impact on our keepers and guests will not be forgotten. Our team of keepers who have spent more than a decade caring and bonding with this incredible animal are grieving this loss, and we support them through this sad time.

The Houston Zoo also recognized the impact that Jonathan, and his spirit, had. And that both of these "are ambassadors for their wild counterparts in Africa and serve to educate guests about the work being done to help save this vulnerable species."

[H/T KHOU]