- Lomelok, a 17-month-old African lion cub named Lomelok, was euthanized
- The cub at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo had serious mobility problems
- The animal had a spinal defect from birth, but zoo visitors adored it.
Staff at a Chicago zoo are heartbroken after an African lion cub, just 17 months old, had to be euthanized over the weekend.
Affectionately known as Lomelok, the pup had suffered from “mobility issues” since he was just a few weeks old, caused by a deformity in the lower part of his spine.
Veterinary and animal care staff made the difficult decision to euthanize the cub at the Lincoln Park Zoo, despite him undergoing surgery earlier this year that was expected to alleviate his ailment.
Zoo staff said the cub “captured the attention and hearts of zoo-goers as he navigated a birth defect in his spine.”
Lomelok, a 17-month-old African lion cub, had to be euthanized at a Chicago zoo over the weekend.
The cub at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo had serious mobility problems since birth
Lomelok had developed a following among visitors to the Chicago-based zoo.
In March, Lomelok underwent surgery but his “recovery had been slow and steady.”
But after many weeks of progress, medical intervention and physical therapy, it was clear that Lomelok was still not thriving like a 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 reduced activity levels which were evaluated by veterinarians, a neurologist, an orthopedic surgeon and more. After these extensive diagnostic measures, Lomelok was diagnosed with a narrowing of the canals through which nerves travel.’
In addition to his health complications, the zoo said Lomelok had recently developed a gastrointestinal obstruction that would require another intense surgery.
Faced with a long recovery that would require a second surgery, the zoo decided to euthanize the cub.
“When he developed a gastrointestinal obstruction that would require another intense surgery and a long recovery in isolation, the difficult decision was made to say goodbye to Lomelok,” the statement explains.
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 on his stomach and show his white fur on his belly.”
In March, Lomelok underwent surgery and his “recovery had been slow and steady.”
Lomelok showed concern for his hind limbs.
The lion cub is seen recovering from an operation to help him walk better earlier this year.
Lomelok is seen with his pride of the Pesho brothers, Sidai and Pilipili.
“There are no words to express how deeply he will be missed,” said Mammals Curator Cassy Kutilek.
“Lincoln Park Zoo mourns this loss with our community,” the statement said.
‘The story of Lomelok spread everywhere. This loss will be felt by many. Our teams are suffering and we are grieving. “Our hearts go out to everyone who cared for this special lion,” the zoo added in X.
Lomelok’s name means “sweet” in the Maa language, which is spoken in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Last summer, the Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed its newest resident, a 105-pound baby zebra.
This birth was particularly notable, as Grévy’s zebras are endangered, with fewer than 2,000 species left in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting.