Lion's Death Leaves Roosevelt Park Zoo Void | News, sports, jobs

Submitted photo Kiota, the male lion at Roosevelt Park Zoo, looks out a window at the sanctuary. Kiota was euthanized on October 30th due to kidney disease.

The 19-year-old male lion at Roosevelt Park Zoo has died.

“It is with great sadness that Roosevelt Park Zoo announces that Kiota, the zoo’s male African lion, was humanely euthanized on Wednesday, October 30, in the company of his zookeepers and animal care staff.” the zoo announced in releasing the news. “Kiota was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in 2022 and has been taking two kidney supplements since then. Recent urinalysis showed that Kiota's kidney function continued to decline. Animal care staff at Roosevelt Park Zoo had also observed a significant decline in Kiota's activity and appetite. After a long, serious discussion about animal management, the team concluded that ending his pain and suffering was the best decision for Kiota.”

The Roosevelt Park Zoo team would have liked to give the community the opportunity to say goodbye, but it was decided in the best interest of Kiota to allow him to pass in the most peaceful manner possible, surrounded by his trusted and loyal care team, a statement said Zoo press release.

Kiota was born on August 25, 2005 at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. He was one of the oldest African Lions in the Species Survival Program.

“Kiota was a longtime ambassador for Roosevelt Park Zoo and many guests knew him by name. In fact, it was not uncommon for generations of families to gather around the lion exhibit and talk about their first encounter with the majestic, handsome lion that has been the centerpiece of Roosevelt Park Zoo for so many years.” the zoo explained.

Kiota has had a front row seat at many major events at Roosevelt Park Zoo, including the 2011 flood and most recently the completion of the Severson-Ahart African Lion Savannah Exhibit. Thanks to generous donors from the Minot community, Kiota spent the last five years of his life in the beautiful and spacious exhibit, the release states. Kiota and Jasira were relocated to the new lion habitat in September 2019. As a result of this move, employees noticed several improvements in their welfare and well-being, which enabled them to be a real source of pride.

“Kiota was the king of the Roosevelt Park Zoo. He defended his pride, which consisted of Jasira and himself, until his last breath. Jasira was the love of his life and they never left each other. When Jasira passed away in 2022, Kiota found comfort in his nursing staff.” the zoo explained. “Kiota remained the star of our behavioral training program. He was one of the first animals from which staff were able to voluntarily draw blood to monitor his kidney valves. Kiota has been trained to volunteer for all of his medical needs.

“End-of-life care is among the most difficult conversations and decisions the Roosevelt Park animal care team makes. Roosevelt Park Zoo would like to thank the community for their continued support,” The zoo release is complete.