Zoo New England’s (ZNE) Franklin Park Zoo is deeply saddened to share that Dinari, a 17-year-old male lion, has passed away.

At 17 years old, Dinari was a geriatric lion, and as he aged his care team closely monitored his weight, body condition and demeanor. Over the past week, his health steeply declined and he had been lethargic with little appetite. Recent blood work pointed to signs of chronic renal failure. Following the rapid decline in Dinari’s health and quality of life, as well as a poor prognosis, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him.

“We are completely heartbroken to share the news about Dinari. He will be deeply missed by his care team, and all who knew him,” said Sarah Patterson, Area Curator at Franklin Park Zoo. “The animals that reside at our zoos receive extraordinary care throughout their lives, and Dinari’s long life is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all who worked so hard to care for him.”

The median life expectancy for lions is 16. With the passing of Dinari, the lion habitat will be temporarily empty. ZNE plans to welcome new lions to Franklin Park Zoo in the future.

In 2015, Dinari moved to Franklin Park Zoo along with his brother and littermate, Kamaia who passed away in 2023. They were an incredibly bonded pair, and their regal presence delighted visitors of all ages. 

ZNE has been long committed to protection of lions and the species that share their habitat. Lions are facing increasing pressure in the wild. Their range has decreased by about 90%, and they are now found in about 10% of their original distribution. Throughout the past 50 years, the population has declined by roughly 75%.

Through a partnership with Lion Landscapes, an organization dedicated to the conservation of lion populations and the protection of natural habitats for the species, ZNE is supporting community-led conservation work aimed at protecting all the large carnivores threatened by human-dominated landscapes. This protection work at the Selous-Nyerere landscape in Tanzania is of high importance as this area is considered to be one of the last strongholds for the lions, being one of only six populations to contain over 1,000 lions.