Lions taken off exhibit at Topeka Zoo due to health scare

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Staff at a local zoo are monitoring one of its resident lions who recently experienced a health scare in Topeka.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center posted to social media on Oct. 14 that one of its resident lions, Asante, is under close watch by zoo staff this week. Veterinary staff and her care team performed a physical exam on the female lion on Oct. 13 after she began showing signs of disinterest in her food.

The zoo reports that Asante has been diagnosed with renal disease in the past, something which is common amongst cats of all sizes. Asante, who is 21 years old, is the oldest living lioness in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums network. The median lifespan of a lioness in human care is 16, though some are known to live to be 20.

“Along with Asante, the Zoo has many animals living in its care that have passed their median life expectancy including Gertie the llama, Tembo the African elephant, Rudy & Mawas the Bornean orangutans, Jackie the two-toed sloth, and the pair of grey-crowned cranes.”
Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center social media post excerpt

Male lion Tatu is being kept close by Asante to give her support. The zoo has since taken both of the lions off public display at their exhibit for “an indefinite amount of time” as staff continue to monitor Asante’s condition.

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