Zoos SA has shared news of the passing of a beloved young male lion at Monarto Safari Park.
At three and a half years old, Chad’s loss was sudden this week. On Monday, his dedicated keepers noticed he was not himself and he was taken for observation. Veterinary testing revealed he was suffering from renal failure.
Despite swift action from experts, the lion’s condition deteriorated and on Tuesday morning he was put to sleep.
“These moments are never easy. But our duty of care is always to provide the very best welfare for the animals we’re privileged to care for and sometimes that means making the hardest, most compassionate choice,” Zoos SA said in a statement.
Born at Monarto Safari Park in 2022, Chad was one of three cubs welcomed by lioness Husani.
Zoos SA says he was “bold, curious and full of character, a favourite among keepers and a joy to all who visited”.
Bus driver at the park, Louise Marks, said she was very sad to hear the news.
“[Chad] was one of my favourites, chased my bus a few times.. he was such a big glorious boy,” Louise Marks said.
