As many of our guests know, Ramses, our beloved male African lion, recently celebrated his 20th birthday—a remarkable milestone that exceeds the average life expectancy for lions in human care.
As Ramses has grown older, our Animal Care and Veterinary teams have provided increasingly specialized, individualized care to support his unique medical needs. His longevity is a testament to his incredible resilience and the exceptional care he has received throughout his life at Capron Park Zoo.
Ramses is considered one of the oldest male lions living in an AZA-accredited zoo. Like many geriatric animals, he faces age-related health challenges and is currently receiving treatment for arthritis. In June he celebrated his 20th Birthday!
Recently, our team has observed that Ramses is experiencing decreased comfort in his back legs and has shown less interest in some of his favorite foods. After careful consideration, our Animal Care and Veterinary teams have made the compassionate decision to transition him to hospice care.
In a zoological setting, hospice care is centered on preserving an animal’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life while recognizing the changing needs that come with advanced age. This transition does not mean we have stopped caring for or treating Ramses. Rather, it allows us to provide him with even more personalized attention, comfort, and support during this stage of his life.
“We know Ramses holds a special place in the hearts of many in our community, and we appreciate your continued love and support as we remain committed to providing him with the compassionate care he deserves. Please note that Ramses may be off exhibit at times. Our dedicated team will continue to closely observe Ramses each day, continually adapting his care as his needs evolve to ensure he maintains the highest possible quality of life”
