Franklin Zoo says farewell to Eddie the Lion

Franklin Zoo said farewell to Eddie the Lion, aged over twenty years when he died recently.

The good natured Eddie, along with his two sisters Queenie and Gypsy, have been living at the sanctuary for the past two and a half years. This followed nearly seventeen years traveling around New Zealand with the circus.

Franklin Zoo veterinarian, Dr Helen Schofield, says upon arrival to the sanctuary Eddie was diagnosed with early kidney failure. It was only after two and a half years at the sanctuary, that lab results indicated his kidneys had deteriorated to the point that the difficult decision to have him put to sleep was made.

“He’d been coping so well up until recently when his lab results indicated he would soon experience a rapid decline. So, our focus was on making his last stages of his life as comfortable as possible for him. It certainly was not for our benefit,” says Dr Schofield.

“While at the zoo we put him on a Pilate’s exercise programme, which involved climbing and balancing at different heights for treats. This helped him develop more muscle in his hind limbs and help with his fore limb arthritis,” says Dr Schofield.

Dr Schofield says the sanctuary had specifically built a large habitat area for the lions, giving them access to large lawns, logs and landscaping.

“The habitat area had definitely enriched Eddie’s life and continues to benefit his two sisters by allowing them to move more freely,” says Dr Schofield.

Eddie had a dignified passing and burial at the sanctuary, where his four Lionesses watched on.

“We put him to sleep with his girls watching. It was a kind and appropriate farewell to such a magnificent creature. The lionesses had been grieving for him, but are improving now.

“Saying goodbye to Eddie has been terribly sad for staff and friends of the zoo. We miss his good nature and his wonderful attitude – it has been a privilege to provide him with care in his last years,” says Dr Schofield.

Eddie, Gypsy and Queenie are the last lions ever to be kept in the circus in New Zealand.