LINCOLN PARK — Lincoln Park Zoo's female lion Myra was euthanized Tuesday after spending 17 years at the zoo.
The iconic lion, who was known to frequently nap in front of the observation window at the zoo, was euthanized after a decline in health, according to a statement from Lincoln Park Zoo.
Myra's health irreversibly compromised her quality of life, according to the zoo.
Myra was rescued as a cub in 1997 in South Africa's Kampana Game Reserve and arrived at the zoo shortly after.
The 18-year-old lion produced three cubs in 1998 with Adelor and more recently shared a social pairing with 4-year-old male Sahar.
“She was the boss when he arrived as a young guy,” said Lion House curator Mark Kamhout. “But he came into his own as he matured, and they developed a nice bond.”
The median life expectancy for lions in accredited North American zoos is 16.8 years.
Caregivers at the zoo will now be working with the Lion Species Survival Plan to find appropriate companionship for Sahar, who came to Lincoln Park from the Bronx Zoo in 2012.
In the wild, lions live in prides ranging from two to 40 members.
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