Sacramento Zoo’s African lion Kamau dies at 16

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Sacramento Zoo’s 16-year-old African lion, Kamau, has died, the zoo announced Saturday.

The Sacramento Bee reported that the zoo announced a day earlier that Kamau would be withdrawn from exhibit due to declining health attributable to his “advanced age.”

“Over the last few weeks, Kamau had developed worsening gastrointestinal problems with decreased interest in food,” the zoo said in a statement.

While African lions can live up to 25 years in captivity, they typically live 10 to 15 years, the zoo said.

Kamau arrived at the Sacramento Zoo in 2008 from the San Diego Zoo. In 2014, he sired a litter of cubs. In 2019, the zoo built a larger habitat for Kamau and his mate, Cleo.

“Kamau was adored by many over the years,” the zoo said. “We appreciate the love and support of our Zoo family.”