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Lion's Life Cut Short by Kidney Failure After Eye Surgery
3 Sep
Summary
- Asiatic lion Sahee died from advanced kidney failure discovered during eye surgery.
- Sahee was 10 years old and born in France before moving to Hertfordshire Zoo.
- The zoo made the difficult decision to euthanize Sahee to prevent suffering.
Hertfordshire Zoo is mourning the loss of Sahee, a 10-year-old Asiatic lion, who passed away on Wednesday after suffering from advanced kidney failure. The diagnosis came to light during a routine eye procedure performed in August by Dr. David Williams from the University of Cambridge. While Sahee's eyelid was being treated for irritation, a comprehensive health assessment revealed severe, irreversible kidney issues.
Sahee, originally from Le Pal Wildlife Park in France, became a resident of Hertfordshire Zoo in 2025. He was one of the first inhabitants of the zoo's Lions of India habitat. The eye surgery was necessary to correct an eyelid condition that was causing discomfort and scratching his cornea. Blood samples and swabs were collected during the operation to minimize the need for future anesthesia.
Following the discovery of his critical kidney condition, Sahee's health deteriorated rapidly. To ensure his welfare and prevent further suffering, zoo officials made the difficult decision to have him euthanized. The zoo expressed its deep sadness over the loss of the beloved lion.
