Buffalo Zoo Says Goodbye to 19-Year-Old Lion
We are deeply saddened to announce our 19-year-old African lion, Shona, was recently humanely euthanized due to deteriorating conditions from changes to her kidneys and liver that could no longer be treated medically.
Shona was born at the Como Park Zoo in St. Paul, MN. in 2002. She came to the Buffalo Zoo with her sister Acacia and brother Tsavo when they were around a year old.
Shona loved one-on-one time with her keepers, especially if they brought whipped cream to her. She was very vocal and sassy around her keepers but was an affable sister to Acacia, who passed earlier this year.
Shona enjoyed laying in the sun and resting on the bench in her outdoor habitat, even on snowy days. She became more engaged in training in her older years; learning lots of behaviors and enjoying time with trainers (and food). She paid close attention to all things happening in the Lion/Tiger building and was especially interested in her building mates during times of introductions and new offspring. Her gruff personality will be missed.
