ST. LOUIS – The Saint Louis Zoo announced on Monday the passing of an elderly African male lion, ‘Ingozi.’ The zoo shared on Facebook, they “humanely euthanized” the lion on Friday due to advanced liver and spinal disease. Ingozi leaves behind his 19-year-old partner and female lioness “Cabara” at “Big Cat Country” and multiple litters of cubs.

Saint Louis Zoo personnel announced Monday that its 17-year-old male African lion was humanely euthanized on Friday. The lion, named Ingozi, was euthanized due to advanced liver and spinal disease, the zoo said in a Facebook post.

An African lion’s “impressive roar and magnificent mane” was a staple of the St. Louis Zoo for years. Ingozi would bask in the Missouri sunshine on a raised platform as guests perused throughout the zoo. On Nov. 18, the zoo announced that 17-year-old Ingozi had died.

The St. Louis Zoo announced Monday through a Facebook post that Ingozi, a 17-year-old African Lion who had been at the zoo since shortly after his first birthday, was ‘humanely euthanized’ on Friday.

The Saint Louis Zoo is taking extra steps to protect its visitors and animals, with a new security system being implemented to ensure your visit is safe and fun.

The Saint Louis Zoo has put in place new security measures this fall in an effort to make guests feel safer. Guests with large bags, strollers, wagons, coolers, wheelchairs, backpacks and purses may also be subject to a bag search after passing through the automatic detection system,