GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A female lion that's called the John Ball Zoo home since 2007 has died, the zoo posted Wednesday afternoon.
The zoo said Abena had been receiving special care from veterinarians to aid in her struggle with arthritis over the last few years.
In the past year, the zoo said Abena would receive a special injection once a month to improve her quality of life and make her more comfortable.
Over the weekend, the animal care team felt the medications she was receiving were no longer working to allow her to move comfortably and aid in the mobility issues she was experiencing in her old age. So, they chose to humanely euthanize her.
"The animal care team worked hard to ensure Abena stayed as comfortable, healthy and happy as she could for as long as she could," the post read.
Abena came to Grand Rapids in 2007 from the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Since then, she formed a strong bond with another lion named Kiume, who came to the zoo in 2012.
The zoo said the pair could always be found lounging in the sun on their heated rock or in the back half of their habitat.
Workers said they'll remember Abena for her feisty, confident personality and her love for laying in the sun.
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