Kwanzaa: Difference between revisions
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'''Kwanza''' (born [[December 24]], [[2004]] in Waco, Texas) | [[File:Kwanzaa.jpg|right|thumb|Kwanzaa]] | ||
'''Kwanzaa''' or '''Kwanza''' (born [[December 24]], [[2004]] in Waco, Texas; died [[November 23]], [[2021]] in [[Birmingham]]) was a male African lion that was exhibited at the [[Birmingham Zoo]] from [[2006]] to his death. | |||
Kwanzaa was born at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas, and was named for the African-inspired holiday which began in 2004 on the day after his birth. He was brought to Birmingham on [[February 15]], [[2006]]. After three months in quarantine, and some time in a separate exhibit area, he was moved to the lion exhibit at the zoo's [[Predator Building]]. There he alternated indoor and outdoor time with the much older [[Sheba]], who had been the zoo's sole lion since the death of [[Maynard]] in June [[2005]]. | |||
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association's African Lion Species Survival Plan, in which the zoo is a partner, called for Kwanzaa to be joined later by two or three younger females as potential breeding partners. In August [[2007]] he was joined by [[Akili]], and Sheba was subsequently moved to an off exhibit holding area. On [[May 25]], [[2011]], Akili gave birth to five lion cubs: [[Asha]], [[Baron]], [[Kimba]], [[Lily]], and [[Vulcan (lion)|Vulcan]]. All five cubs were transferred to other zoos in [[2012]]. | |||
Kwanzaa and Akili were later moved to the larger space which had formerly housed the zoo's Malayan tiger [[Kumar]]. Beginning in [[2018]] Kwanza was treated for signs of kidney disease. In September [[2021]] both lions displayed loss of appetite and sneezing symptoms. Fecal testing confirmed they had been infected by [[COVID-19 pandemic|SARS-CoV-2]]. By the time the results were returned, their symptoms had improved. | |||
In November [[2021]] Kwanzaa was diagnosed with lymphoma and treated with chemotherapeutic drugs and steroids. After a few weeks his appetite declined to the point that euthanasia was recommended. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
* Doyle, Niki. (May 19, 2006). "Birmingham Zoo's new resident sure to become the mane event." | * Doyle, Niki. (May 19, 2006). "Birmingham Zoo's new resident sure to become the mane event." {{BN}} | ||
* Bryant, Walter (August 21, 2006). "Starting lion." ''Birmingham | * Bryant, Walter. (August 21, 2006). "Starting lion." {{BN}} | ||
* Thornton, William. (August 22, 2011). "[http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/08/birmingham_zoos_royal_pride_fe.html Birmingham Zoo's royal pride: Feisty young lions to meet Labor Day visitors]." {{BN}} | |||
* "Birmingham Zoo's African lions test positive for COVID after showing symptoms." (October 1, 2021) WVTM13.com | |||
* "Birmingham Zoo: 16-year-old African lion, Kwanza, diagnosed with lymphoma." (November 18, 2021) | |||
* "Birmingham Zoo’s African lion, Kwanza, dead at 16." (November 23, 2021) Associated Press/{{BN}} | |||
[[Category:Zoo animals]] | [[Category:Zoo animals]] | ||
[[Category:2004 births]] | [[Category:2004 births]] | ||
[[Category:2021 deaths]] | |||
[[Category:Lions]] | |||
Latest revision as of 17:56, 23 November 2021
Kwanzaa or Kwanza (born December 24, 2004 in Waco, Texas; died November 23, 2021 in Birmingham) was a male African lion that was exhibited at the Birmingham Zoo from 2006 to his death.
Kwanzaa was born at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas, and was named for the African-inspired holiday which began in 2004 on the day after his birth. He was brought to Birmingham on February 15, 2006. After three months in quarantine, and some time in a separate exhibit area, he was moved to the lion exhibit at the zoo's Predator Building. There he alternated indoor and outdoor time with the much older Sheba, who had been the zoo's sole lion since the death of Maynard in June 2005.
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association's African Lion Species Survival Plan, in which the zoo is a partner, called for Kwanzaa to be joined later by two or three younger females as potential breeding partners. In August 2007 he was joined by Akili, and Sheba was subsequently moved to an off exhibit holding area. On May 25, 2011, Akili gave birth to five lion cubs: Asha, Baron, Kimba, Lily, and Vulcan. All five cubs were transferred to other zoos in 2012.
Kwanzaa and Akili were later moved to the larger space which had formerly housed the zoo's Malayan tiger Kumar. Beginning in 2018 Kwanza was treated for signs of kidney disease. In September 2021 both lions displayed loss of appetite and sneezing symptoms. Fecal testing confirmed they had been infected by SARS-CoV-2. By the time the results were returned, their symptoms had improved.
In November 2021 Kwanzaa was diagnosed with lymphoma and treated with chemotherapeutic drugs and steroids. After a few weeks his appetite declined to the point that euthanasia was recommended.
References
- Doyle, Niki. (May 19, 2006). "Birmingham Zoo's new resident sure to become the mane event." The Birmingham News
- Bryant, Walter. (August 21, 2006). "Starting lion." The Birmingham News
- Thornton, William. (August 22, 2011). "Birmingham Zoo's royal pride: Feisty young lions to meet Labor Day visitors." The Birmingham News
- "Birmingham Zoo's African lions test positive for COVID after showing symptoms." (October 1, 2021) WVTM13.com
- "Birmingham Zoo: 16-year-old African lion, Kwanza, diagnosed with lymphoma." (November 18, 2021)
- "Birmingham Zoo’s African lion, Kwanza, dead at 16." (November 23, 2021) Associated Press/The Birmingham News