Henry Vilas Zoo mourns death of resident lion Pelo
Incident Date:
09/18/2026
Location:
Madison, WI - USA
Facility Name:
Henry Vilas Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
Lion
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
MADISON, WI – Pelo, a 13-year-old lion that spent nearly his entire life at Henry Vilas Zoo, died after a rapid decline in his health, the zoo announced Sept. 18.
Zookeepers first noticed Pelo was moving strangely and losing his balance in June. An eventual diagnosis found chronic degenerative disc disease in his neck and spine. Although he initially responded to treatment, Pelo’s symptoms returned in recent weeks and after a rapid decline, staff made the decision to euthanize him.
Action take by Born Free USA:
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