Naples Zoo's beloved African lioness dies at age 20

NAPLES, Fla. —

The Naples Zoo is mourning the loss of its African lioness, Shani, who died at the age of 20.

Animal care and veterinary teams at the zoo decided to humanely euthanize Shani following a period of decline related to her advanced age. According to a news release, Shani had been receiving specialized geriatric care to manage her health.

Zoo officials said that at 20 years old, Shani exceeded the typical 10-to-15-year lifespan of lionesses in the wild.

Shani arrived at Naples Zoo in 2013 from Ohio after being genetically matched with the zoo's male lion, Masamba, through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan.

The duo became the founders of the zoo's pride when Shani gave birth to three male cubs in 2019. Although Masamba died at the age of 16 in 2025, the pair's three sons are currently at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida.

Naples Zoo staff also noted that she was a devoted mother and powerful ambassador for her species.

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