Elderly Lion Myra Euthanized at Lincoln Park Zoo

A long-time resident of the Lincoln Park Zoo, 18-year-old African lion Myra, was humanely euthanized Tuesday at the North Side park.

Myra was euthanized by the zoo’s veterinary staff after a decline in health that compromised her quality of life, according to a statement on the zoo’s website. The median life expectancy for lions in North American zoos is 16.8 years.

“Friends of the zoo will remember Myra for her proud bearing, her zest for tearing into enrichment and her frequent cat naps in front of the observation window at the lions’ outdoor habitat,” the statement said.

She arrived at the Lincoln Park in January 1997 from South Africa’s Kampana Game Reserve, where she was rescued as a cub, according to the zoo.

She was matched with Adelor, the zoo’s iconic lion who passed two years ago. In recent years, she had shared a “social pairing” with 4-year-old male lion Sahar.

The zoo will work with the Lion Species Survival Plan to find appropriate companionship for Sahar.

Friends of the zoo are encouraged to share their memories of Myra here.