RIP Nelson the Lion – Perth Zoo Mourns African Cat
A sad day today at Perth Zoo, with the passing of ‘Nelson’ the African Lion.
Perth Zoo reported the loss of the 13-year-old Lion on their website and social media.
Nelson was born in the UK with his litter brother, ‘Mandela’ and made the move to Perth Zoo in 2007.
Alongside his brother and lioness, ‘Shinyanga’, Nelson was a well-known Perth Zoo animal and loved by visitors and staff alike.
Being a social species, the keepers will be carefully monitoring the other the two remaining lions as they adjust to this loss.
Nelson was treated for a bout of pneumonia in January. Although he initially responded to medical care, over the last few days his condition deteriorated and further tests revealed an aggressive renal abscess and the persistence of pneumonia.
Nelson was showing signs of a serious infection, and his prognosis for recovery was poor. Sadly the difficult decision was made to end his suffering.
Nelson was an older lion and would have celebrated his 14th birthday in May. The average lifespan for male African Lions in the wild is approximately 12 years.
People across Perth are sharing their Nelson the lion memories on social media.
A very tough day for us with the loss of our 'handsome' boy, 'Nelson', the African Lion. Despite the best medical care,…
Posted by Perth Zoo on Sunday, April 10, 2016
With news Perth Zoo's Nelson the Lion died today, I thought I'd share my favourite pic of him. pic.twitter.com/Bbp2rOxgwV
— Rachel Fenner (@thisisrachels) April 11, 2016
FINAL FAREWELL: @PerthZoo has confirmed that their African lion, Nelson, has died. #PerthNews pic.twitter.com/2MojRCa3JD
— Tom Marlow (@TomMarlow_) April 11, 2016