COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (February 10, 2022) — One of Niabi Zoo’s best-known residents, Savanna, a nineteen-year-old female African Lion, was humanely euthanized due to complications caused by breast cancer and progressive kidney failure. Director Lee Jackson stated, “This is never an easy decision. The Zoo’s keeper staff, veterinary team, and managers, in the end, had to consider her welfare and best quality of life. That she could reach such an advanced age is a testament to the level of care afforded to Savanna and all the animals at the Niabi Zoo, and to the tireless dedication of our keeper, and veterinary staffs.”
As animal-care science and veterinary techniques have improved, many animals in zoos are living well past what can be expected by their wild counterparts. Older animals in zoos face the same challenges as elderly humans: Dental, eye, and joint issues; digestive problems; and weakened immune function. At Niabi Zoo, keepers and veterinarians work closely to make sure all of or animals have the best possible quality of life throughout every stage of life. All animals, but particularly the older ones, are monitored daily for subtle signs, change in mobility, body condition, appetite, demeanor, and interactions with conspecifics, with any changes noted and recorded in exacting detail.
Savanna was born on May 3, 2002, and came to Niabi when she was just five days old, and hand-reared by her keeper. Savanna was a recognized favorite at the Zoo for a generation of Niabi Zoo visitors, and was the last remaining African Lion at the Zoo. She was often mistaken for a young male by visitors because of her mane.
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo is now closed for the regular admission season, but there are plenty of experiences happening at the zoo year-round. Visit www.NiabiZoo.com for more information. Niabi will be open for the 2022 regular admission season starting in April of 2022.
Located in Coal Valley, Illinois, Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore more than forty acres that encompass 200 animal species while enjoying the countryside of Rock Island County. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals from around the world.
For more information about the Zoo, visit www.NiabiZoo.com, or visit www.Facebook.com/NiabiZoo.
