Kamaia, majestic lion who lived at Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo, has died

Maria Papadopoulos
·2 min read
6

Kamaia, a majestic, 14-year-old lion who called the Franklin Park Zoo his home, has died.

The beloved lion was euthanized on Saturday after a period of failing health, zoo officials announced late Sunday afternoon.

“Since the spring, Kamaia has battled several health issues including a bout with severe pneumonia from which he recovered and other chronic health issues,” Zoo New England said in a statement on Sunday.

Dinari, a 14-year-old male lion at Franklin Park Zoo, will have a medical procedure on Thursday with the hope that it will help his brother, Kamaia, who has serious health issues, zoo officials said.
Dinari, a 14-year-old male lion at Franklin Park Zoo, will have a medical procedure on Thursday with the hope that it will help his brother, Kamaia, who has serious health issues, zoo officials said.

On June 9, Kamaia underwent a successful splenectomy and blood transfusion, zoo officials said. Before this surgery, an exam revealed that Kamaia was severely anemic with a greatly enlarged spleen.

Kamaia underwent a second surgery to repair a hernia at his incision site, officials said. He recovered from his surgery and for the past several months could be seen sunning himself and lounging about his outdoor habitat with his brother, Dinari.

“Kamaia was an incredible ambassador for his species, and we are deeply saddened to share the news of his passing,” Zoo New England President and CEO John Linehan said in a statement. “Throughout the past several months, his dedicated care team has worked tirelessly to treat and care for Kamaia and ensure that he was comfortable. This news is never easy, and we ask that you keep his care team in your thoughts at this difficult time.”

Kamaia and his brother Dinari, also age 14, have resided at Franklin Park Zoo since 2015. Dinari can continue to be seen in his outdoor habitat.

Dinari, a 14-year-old male lion at Franklin Park Zoo, will have a medical procedure on Thursday with the hope that it will help his brother, Kamaia, who has serious health issues, zoo officials said.
Dinari, a 14-year-old male lion at Franklin Park Zoo, will have a medical procedure on Thursday with the hope that it will help his brother, Kamaia, who has serious health issues, zoo officials said.

“Kamaia was such an impressive presence,” Chris Bartos, assistant curator at Franklin Park Zoo, said in a statement. “Kamaia was a favorite amongst his care team, and he really enjoyed his enrichment including tearing into boxes and bags to look for the treats hidden inside, as well as rolling in unusual scents. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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