Zoo Miami announced Friday the death of Kwame , its last remaining lion, after health issues left him with no options for recovery.

Kwame, who would have turned 18 years old on Saturday, was euthanized following a long battle with chronic arthritis and worsening mobility problems, the zoo said in a press release.

Ron Magill, Zoo Miami's communications director, said Kwame's condition deteriorated this week, leaving him extremely weak in his hindquarters. After exams showed no treatments could improve his quality of life, the zoo made the decision to humanely euthanize him.

Kwame. Zoo Miami

"With all treatment options exhausted and no other path available for a cure or relief, the very difficult decision was made by the Animal Health and Animal Science teams to euthanize him today

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