St. Louis Zoo says goodbye to beloved Lion Ingozi

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI)- Ingozi, a 17-year-old African lion, has died at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Ingozi was humanely euthanized on Friday, Nov. 15, due to advanced liver and spinal disease, zoo officials said.

Born in 2007 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Ingozi moved to the Saint Louis Zoo shortly after his first birthday. He was paired with female lioness Cabara at Big Cat Country and sired multiple litters.

Ingozi and Cabara were attentive parents, and their cubs have gone on to become parents themselves at other zoos, making Ingozi and Cabara grandparents and great-great-grandparents.

Ingozi was known for his impressive roar and magnificent mane. He was a devoted mate to Cabara and enjoyed staying by her side.

The Animal Care and Animal Health teams at the Saint Louis Zoo provided excellent care for Ingozi throughout his lifetime.

Cabara, 19, will remain at Big Cat Country and spend her golden years at the Saint Louis Zoo, where she has lived for over 17 years. She will continue to receive dedicated care from the zoo’s skilled Animal Care and Animal Health teams.

Ingozi will be greatly missed by his care team and all who knew him, zoo officials said.