MILWAUKEE -- One of the Milwaukee County Zoo's beloved lions has passed away, the Zoo announced Friday.
"We are heartbroken to share that we had to say goodbye to Themba," the Zoo said on social media. "In recent weeks, he was experiencing health issues consistent with older lions."
Themba would have been 17 years old in July. The lion sired three offspring, two males and one female.
"He was affectionately known by zookeepers as 'Chunky,' and was a majestic and strong presence among the other felines," the Zoo said.
Themba's care team reports that he had a good quality of life until the end.
