Abilene Zoo Says Goodbye to Saba the Lion

ABILENE, TX — On Wednesday the Abilene Zoo announced the death of Saba, a 16-year-old African Lion.

According to KTXS, zookeepers noticed Saba was lethargic and didn’t have her usual appetite on Monday. By Wednesday, the zoo staff was forced to make the decision to euthanize the beloved lion.

“We kept Saba as comfortable as possible, but her condition continued to decline” stated Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Carle.

Saba was born in September of 2004 and was sent to the Abilene Zoo a few days after turning one in October of 2005.

Saba was paired with the zoo’s male lion, Botswana, following guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Saba and Botswana had their only litter in 2010 and had 5 “rambunctious cubs that later went on to start their own prides in various parts of the world including Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”

A variety of tests were conducted to determine the cause of Saba’s condition and those results  are still pending.

According to the zoo the median life expectancy of a lion is 16 years.