Category: Animals
Published on: August 25th, 2026
We are sad to announce the loss of Sam, our 15-year-old African lion, who died on Friday 21st August.
Sam had cancerous tumours which led to his health declining rapidly and him becoming unresponsive. After close monitoring by our expert team of vets and animal keepers, the decision was made to minimise any prolonged suffering and for Sam to be humanely euthanised.
During routine morning checks Sam appeared bright, alert and keen to enter the reserve for the day with Savannah as usual. That afternoon Sam’s condition deteriorated rapidly, he became lethargic and unresponsive to his keepers. Following veterinary examination, Sam’s condition continued to deteriorate, and after careful consideration by our veterinary team and animal keepers the decision was made to prevent any further suffering and for Sam to be humanely euthanised. A postmortem examination revealed that Sam had cancerous tumours on his liver, one of which had ruptured causing incurable internal bleed.
“Sam was a much-loved member of the pride and will be greatly missed by all the keepers who cared for him, as well as guests"
Q&A
After a rapid deterioration in his health over a 24-hour period, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanise Sam. This followed close monitoring, detailed examinations and careful consultation between our expert veterinary and animal care teams.
Sam was of geriatric age for an African lion and a post-mortem examination revealed that he had several cancerous tumours on his liver, one of which had ruptured, causing internal bleeding, which explains his sudden decline.
Unfortunately, Sam’s condition wasn’t curable, and it would likely have proven fatal within a short timeframe.
No, issues such as Sam’s are not uncommon in older lions.
Savannah is displaying normal lion behaviour, finding sunny spots to rest, scent-marking, engaging with enrichment, eating well and generally enjoying her surroundings. However, the team are closely monitoring her, with her welfare being our utmost priority as she adjusts to Sam not being around.
Lions enjoy living in a group and we are actively exploring options to enable Savannah to have some fellow lionesses for company.
