AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zoo is mourning the death of a 20-year-old male lion known as Tamarr.

“Over the last few days, Tamarr’s health made a sharp decline, and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him,” according to a press release from the Akron Zoo on Thursday morning. “In July 2025, test results from Tamarr indicated the progression of chronic kidney disease, which is common in elderly cat species. In early October, after changes in his condition, the decision was made for Tamarr to take a step back from the guest-facing habitat.”

Zoo officials say he was the second-oldest male lion in a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“The median life expectancy for lions is 16 years, 9 months,” according to the Akron Zoo.

Tamarr was born on Aug. 25, 200

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