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01/24/2025
The staff at Dickerson Park Zoo is saddened to share the passing of Ade, an 18 ½ -year-old African lion, on Friday, January 24.
Ade had been receiving treatment for kidney failure, and his care team had been having frequent quality-of-life assessment meetings. Today, the team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him as his quality of life continued to decline.
“He had quite the personality,” said Africa Zookeeper Tia Flippin. “He always had something to say and was that old man you just couldn’t help but love even though he could be quite grumpy. Ade was a great cat. He was always ready and willing to train, which made it easier to provide the care and treatment he needed as he aged. He definitely had an impact on a lot of people, and his care team will miss him.”
Ade was born in 2006. He came to Dickerson Park Zoo in 2008 from the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas.
“Ade was a true ambassador for his species and a consummate gentleman to his lioness mate, Shetani,” said Dickerson Park Zoo Director Jackson Thompson. “He taught his caregivers patience and perseverance as they provided the very best care for him, until we had to say good-bye. This is always an extremely difficult decision for our veterinarians and caregivers.”
Dickerson Park Zoo is proud to support the conservation and protection of African lions through participation in the Niassa Lion Project, and proud to have cared for Ade—an amazing ambassador for his species. He will be missed by his care team and the many visitors who loved to admire his beautiful mane and hear his majestic roar.
(📷 by Jackson Thompson and Tia Flippin)
