Tulsa Zoo mourning death of female African lioness

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Zoo announced its female African lioness, Shatari, was euthanized last week at 22-years-old.

Tulsa Zoo said Shatari showed signs of age-related health decline in June of 2022 and began end-of-life monitoring.

Shatari was the oldest lioness within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums community.

"As keepers, we always felt it was Shatari's world and we had the honor of living in it," said Tulsa Zoo Zoological Manager of Sea Lions and Large Carnivores Stephanie Kain. "She was able to live a long life due to the excellent care she received from the animal and veterinary staff at Tulsa Zoo."

Tulsa Zoo said Shatari was born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on June 23, 2002 and moved to Tulsa in 2006. She had two offspring in 2009, Zuber and Thabo.

Shatari came to Tulsa as a companion to Kofi. After Kofi passed in 2017, Kalu came to Tulsa from Denver and became Shatari's new partner. Tulsa Zoo said Shatari took her time warming up to Kalu, but could often be seen spending time near him.

Kalu will remain on exhibit until Tulsa Zoo staff works to make the best decisions for his future.

You can find more information on Tulsa Zoo by clicking here .