Dinari, an African lion who had been a popular attraction at Dorchester’s Franklin Park Zoo for more than a decade, died last week. The 17-year-old big cat was “humanely euthanized after a rapid decline in his health,” according to zoo officials, who said he had become lethargic and lost his appetite, while blood tests indicated signs of chronic kidney failure.
“We are completely heartbroken to share the news about Dinari. He will be deeply missed by his care team, and all who knew him,” said Sarah Patterson, area curator at Franklin Park Zoo.
Dinari arrived at Franklin Park Zoo in 2015 alongside his brother and littermate, Kamaia, who died in 2023. The two were closely bonded and became favorites among generations of zoo visitors. Dinari had exceeded the median life expectancy for lions, which is 16 years, according to zoo officials.
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