Lion Put to Sleep

(Tucson, Arizona) Even the king of the beasts cannot deny Father Time.

Reid Park Zoo's 21-year-old African lioness was euthanized Monday morning after zoo officials deemed her progressive arthritis and old age too much for her to bear.

A-Tatu's health had been watched carefully by zoo officials over the past few years, said Reid Park Zoo administrator Susan Basford.

After careful medical consideration between supervisors and the zoo veterinarian, the decision was made to put her to sleep, she said.

Lions customarily live to about 20 years old in captivity as compared to only 15 years in the wild. This fact likely chafes animal rights activists who believe zoos are inhumane.