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It’s a sad day at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. Their beloved male African lion, Jahari, has died.
“Jahari was a favorite among guests and staff alike and truly was a magnificent ambassador of his species,” said Tanya Peterson, CEO and executive director of the San Francisco Zoological Society. “After he was born, his mother passed away, and he was lovingly hand-reared alongside his sibling. Throughout the years, we watched him grow, mature and have a family of his own. We will always remember his bellowing roar, heard from every corner of the Zoo. It’s a tremendous loss and we are heartbroken.”
Jahari was born in 2003, to female Kita and sire Tunya, the zoo said in its release. “He contributed greatly to the genetic diversity of the U.S. lion population as part of the Species Survival Plan for African lions that works to ensure genetic viability of the insurance population living in AZA-accredited zoos. Jahari’s parents came from Johannesburg, South Africa in 1997 when SF Zoo rescued lion cubs born from females in a wildlife facility there, which otherwise would not survive.”
During his life in San Francisco, Jahari lived in lion habitats of the Zoo’s Cat Kingdom. Sharing the home was his mate, Sukari, and male offspring, Jasiri. ”As Jahari aged, Zoo staff had worked to make his habitat more accessible for him, as his mobility, like many elderly individuals, had become limited,” zoo officials said.
The zoo’s statement went on to describe what it calls its “commitment to animal wellness, preventative and aged animal care” as “evidenced by the longevity of its senior residents, many of which have surpassed the life expectancy of their wild counterparts. Jahari had undergone behavioral husbandry training, which allowed animal and veterinary staff to provide optimal senior care.”
Here’s a look back at Jahari and the love people showed for him on social media:
Proud of our New Pride! Our three African Lions; Jahari, Amanzi, and Sukari are all together now! http://t.co/0PAJnHzz pic.twitter.com/puqvbuyk
— San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (@sfzoo) February 16, 2012
@kongo09 Exciting! Did you get a chance to see Jahari- he's our HUGE male! Although Lions are only suppose to reach 500, he weighs 550lbs!
— San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (@sfzoo) March 31, 2011
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Jahari and I are saying #goodnight shoutout @sfzoo this #lion is my main man! #kingofthejungle #beast… http://t.co/XP3ql9a2Vn
— Cody Brian Miller (@MILLERMOTIVATES) February 5, 2014
Lion love 🦁🦁 The sweetest moment between Sukari and Jahari this morning at #SFZoo ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/tuTj5I3KOo
— San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (@sfzoo) August 21, 2018
King of Kings RT @anthonybrown: @Shirokurokedama Jahari is one awesome looking African Lion! http://flic.kr/p/9gaY4m
— カルちゃんのママ (@Shirokurokedama) February 7, 2011
THREE🎂🦁Jasiri celebrated his 3rd b-day this morning w/ parents Sukari & Jahari, alpaca wool enrichment, & an ice treat cake! It has been so fun to watch this handsome guy grow & we are so grateful to have such a wonderful ambassador for the African lion species here at #SFZoo! pic.twitter.com/LrjlHy0wvz
— San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (@sfzoo) August 30, 2018
Sukari and Jahari are proud parents to @SFZoo's 2.5-year-old African lion, Jasiri! The pride of three happily live together in Cat Kingdom, rotating between four big cat grottos. #ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/aDrKGyTOjz
— AZA (@zoos_aquariums) February 14, 2018
