![\"Livestream\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/default-image.png\")
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PHILADELPHIA – Makini, the Philadelphia Zoo’s African lion, has been euthanized, zoo officials announced Friday.<\/p>\n
Makini the African lion dies ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/maikiniphiladelphiazoo.jpg\")
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Credit: Philadelphia Zoo via Facebook <\/p>\n
What we know:<\/p>\n
According to the zoo, Makini had been battling health issues for the last few months. Makini suffered from arthritis that was worsening, making it difficult for the lion to walk.<\/p>\n
“The team made the difficult and compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him,” the zoo announced on Facebook.<\/p>\n
Makini was 17.5 years old, “considered geriatric,” according to zoo officials. The life expectancy of lions in the wild is between 10 and 14 years.<\/p>\n
The backstory:<\/p>\n
Born in 2009, Makini came to Philadelphia from the Tulsa Zoo in December 2011. His mate Tajiri gave birth to four cubs at the zoo in 2014.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tajiri was euthanized last November after a battle with cancer.<\/p>\n
Remembering Makini <\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
Zoo staff mourned the loss of Makini on social media on Friday, saying they would miss his “goofy” personality.<\/p>\n
“Makini was a force to be reckoned with and he made sure you knew that,” Animal Care Specialist Michelle wrote. “He was all sorts of tough and manly, yet was goofy and would have you laughing several moments later. His presence is something that is surely going to be missed. I will cherish all the time we spent together.”<\/p>\n
The future of lions at the Philadelphia Zoo <\/p>\n
What’s next:<\/p>\n
Makini was the last remaining lion at the Philadelphia Zoo. Following his death, zoo officials said they are “having active conversations with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan on the future of lions at Philadelphia Zoo. We will keep you informed as the process progresses.”<\/p>\n
The Source: Information in this story is from the Philadelphia Zoo.<\/p>\n
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