3-Year Old Lion at Denver Zoo Euthanized After Severe Medical Condition

Sango, a 3-year old male lion at Denver Zoo, has recently passed away after experiencing severe medical condition.

Sango began experiencing seizures late last month. Despite the tremendous efforts of animal care and veterinary staff, performing several full examinations with extensive and intensive treatment, Sango's condition didn't get better. His muscle tremors worsen and become so unbearable that Sango started to have difficulties in walking and positioning his body for a drink.

According to the report of Denver Post, Sango's medical condition is most likely caused by liver disease. Using an abdominal scope, veterinarians at Denver Zoo has discovered that Sango has a highly abnormal liver and enlarged gall bladder.

After all options were exhausted, veterinarians decided to put an end in the misery of Sango. He was subjected to euthanasia last April 30.

"This is devastating for us. Our time with Sango was way too short. His condition worsened so quickly and so severely that euthanasia was our only option," said Staff Veterinarian Betsy Stringer in a statement.

Sango is one of the three adult lions being cared at Denver Zoo. The other two are females namely: Neliah and Sabi, both are also 3-year olds.

Last September, Sango fathered male and female cubs Kalu and Kamara to Neliah. According to the zookeepers the cubs gave Sango boosts in confidence. Sango was a very patient father. He lets the cubs play with his mane and used to chase them around their yard.

"This is truly a tragedy. Sango was adored by staff and delighted guests. He will be dearly missed," said Denver Zoo Vice President for Animal Care and Association of Zoos and Aquariums Lion Species Survival Plan Coordinator Hollie Colahan.

Sango was born July 28, 2012 at Ellen Trout Zoo and was hand-reared by zookeepers after being shunned by his mother. He was transferred to Denver Zoo in 2013.

Lions being held and cared at zoos are expected to have an average life span of 16.8 years, making Sango's passing untimely and surprising.