NEW Zoo mourning the loss of lioness Ajia
SUAMICO, Wis. (WFRV) – On Tuesday, officials with the New Zoo & Adventure Park shared the unfortunate news that lioness Ajia has passed.
According to a release, Ajia had been under close veterinary care which included receiving specialty treatment and monitoring for age-related health concerns.
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Officials say Ajia died peacefully on Monday with the help of human euthanasia at the age of 20 which made her one of the oldest lionesses in human care as the average life expectancy for lions in the wild averages between 10 to 14 years.
Ajia received excellent care throughout her life from people who have adored her. Her long lifespan is a testament to our team's dedication to her wellbeing. Ajia will be deeply missed by staff and volunteers, and by the many zoo guests who have gotten to know her over the 18-plus years that she's been with us.
Carmen Murach, NEW Zoo & Adventure Park Director
Ajia reportedly came to the NEW Zoo in May 2006 and became a mother to three cubs in 2008, all of which were moved to other AZA-accredited zoos for the purpose of starting families of their own.
Zoo officials say Ajia was known for being a 'very good girl' by her caretakers and she easily bonded with Loid, the zoo's male lion who arrived in 2017.
They add that she also enjoyed participating in regular training sessions with her zookeepers and while her roar was quieter than Loid's, you could hear her roar in the evening from a few miles away.
Loid will now be under as closer watch as he deals with Ajia's passing. He is said to have bonded strongly with Ajia and preferred to be near her rather than apart.
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The zoo plans to provide Loid with extra toys and treats to keep him busy but officials say now would be a good time for visitors to come to the zoo and spend some time by the Lion habitat as a way to help him through his grief.
We expect Loid may show some signs of loneliness while we work with the AZA's African LionSpecies Survival Plan to identify a potential new mate for him. It's quiet at the Zoo this time of year, and Loid has always loved watching people. Every zoo guest these days will make a difference for him.
Carmen Murach
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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