The Roar Is Gone

Kali, a 22 year, five-month-old African Lioness who had lived at the Santa Barbara Zoo for all but 10 weeks of her life, was euthanized Tuesday, according to zoo officials. Kali, whose name is short for “Kalahari” was one of the oldest lions in an accredited zoo, born in 1985 in an Oregon park along with her brother Paka, who died in 2001. “We were no longer able to meet Kali’s age-related challenges with veterinary care,” said Alan Varsik, director of animal care and conservation at the zoo.

One of the more popular animals at the zoo, Kali play an important role in socializing Kiki and Docha, two cubs born within the last three years to other lions.