Boston, MA – On Sunday, the Franklin Park Zoo made a heartbreaking announcement about an African lion named Kamaia. According to the zoo, the 14-year-old lion had been facing “numerous” health issues, including a bout with severe pneumonia. He had undergone several procedures recently, including a successful splenectomy and blood transfusion on June 9.
Those health issues resulted in zoo staff making the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Kamaia on Saturday after his health rapidly deteriorated.

In a statement, the zoo said:
The entire Zoo New England family would like to thank Kamaia’s care team for their dedication and compassion. And thanks also go out to our community for your thoughts during this time. We know you loved Kamaia as much as we did. He was an incredible presence at the Zoo and a great ambassador for his species. He will be missed.
John Linehan, Zoo New England President and CEO added:
“Kamaia was an incredible ambassador for his species, and we are deeply saddened to share the news of his passing.”
Rest easy Kamaia.
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