Last African Lion Dies at Philadelphia Zoo
Incident Date:
08/22/2026
Location:
Philadelphia, PA - USA
Facility Name:
Philadelphia Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
African Lion
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Zoo said goodbye to its last African lion, Makini, who died after a battle with advanced arthritis.
The Zoo announced Makini’s death on Friday, saying ever since the death of his longtime partner Tajiri, in November 2025, they have been closely monitoring his health. The zoo said Makini was euthanized after months of arthritis significantly affected his joints, along with recent significant signs of weakness and difficulty navigating.
Makini was born at the Tulsa Zoo and arrived in Philadelphia in 2011. He and his mate, Tajiri, welcomed four female cubs in June 2014. The cubs are no longer at the zoo.
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