The Denver Zoo lost another member of its animal family Tuesday when a 16-year-old male South African lion died.
The lion, Krueger, was euthanized by zoo staff because of failing health due to his battle with cancer, according to a news release from Denver Zoo.
“He took a turn for the worse yesterday and despite veterinary support, he was not responding,” staff veterinarian Dr. Diana Boon said in the release. “Although never an easy decision, the humane option was to euthanize him.”
Krueger was born in October 1997 and came to Denver Zoo from Ohio’s Columbus Zoo in May 2004 to live in the newly opened Predator Ridge exhibit.
Krueger fathered all seven cubs, from four litters, born at the exhibit, the release states.
Krueger is the second lion to succumb to cancer at the zoo in four months.
In June, Rian, , died.
Rian underwent chemotherapy in hopes of fighting his cancer and for medical staff to investigate how treatments could help zoo lions and other large cat breeds, zoo officials said.
Rian was also euthanized.
Denver Zoo currently houses four other lions; an adult female, Baby; an adult male, Rajah; a 1-year-old female cub, Sabi, that arrived as a gift from the Royal Family of Qatar and a 1-year-old male cub, Sango, that came from Ellen Trout Zoo to be her mate, according to zoo officials.
Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ryanparkerdp
