- Lomelok, a 17-month-old African lion cub named Lomelok, was euthanized
- The cub at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo had severe mobility issues
- The animal had a spinal defect since birth, but was adored by zoo visitors
Staff at a Chicago zoo are heartbroken after an African lion cub, just 17 months old, had to be euthanized last weekend.
The cub, affectionately called Lomelok, had suffered from ‘mobility problems’ since he was a few weeks old, caused by a deformity in his lower back.
Animal care and veterinary staff made the difficult decision to euthanize the cub at the Lincoln Park Zoo, despite surgery earlier this year that was hoped would alleviate his ailment.
Zoo staff said the cub “captured the attention and hearts of zoo visitors when he was diagnosed with a spinal birth defect.”
Lomelok, an African lion cub just 17 months old, had to be euthanized this weekend at a Chicago zoo
The cub at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago had severe mobility problems since birth
Lomelok had developed a following among zoo visitors to the Chicago Zoo
In March, Lomelok underwent surgery, but his “recovery was slow and steady.”
But after many weeks of progress, medical intervention and physiotherapy, it was clear that Lomelok was still not thriving as a young lion cub should. The zoo said it was clear the lion would not make a full recovery.
‘As he continued to grow, Lomelok showed increased hind limb concerns and decreased activity levels, which were evaluated by veterinarians, a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon and more. After these extensive diagnostic measures, Lomelok was diagnosed with a narrowing of the nerve pathways.’
In addition to his health complications, the zoo said Lomelok had recently developed a gastrointestinal obstruction that would again require intensive surgery.
Faced with a lengthy recovery that would require a second surgery, the zoo decided to euthanize the cub.
“When he developed a gastrointestinal obstruction that would require further intensive surgery and a long recovery in isolation, the difficult decision was made to say goodbye to Lomelok,” the statement said.
The zoo said Lomelok was known for his laid-back personality, “both figuratively and literally, as one of his favorite things to do was lie upside down and show his white belly fur.”
In March, Lomelok underwent surgery where his ‘recovery was slow and steady’
Lomelok expressed concern about concerns about his hind limbs
The lion cub is recovering from surgery earlier this year to help him walk better
Lomelok is seen with his pride in the brothers Pesho, Sidai and Pilipili
“There are no words to express how much he will be missed,” said Curator of Mammals Cassy Kutilek.
“Lincoln Park Zoo joins our community in mourning this loss,” the statement read.
‘The story of Lomelok spread far and wide. This loss will be felt by many. Our teams are hurting and we are grieving. Our hearts go out to everyone who cares about this special lion,” the zoo said on X.
The name Lomelok means ‘sweet’ in the Maa language, spoken in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Last summer, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed its newest resident, a 105-pound baby zebra.
This birth was particularly notable because Grevy’s zebras are endangered, with fewer than 2,000 species left in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting.
