For Release: February 27
Contact: Peper
Long 
202-673-0206
National Zoo Lion Dies
One of the National Zoo's lions died after surgery on Monday evening. During exploratory surgery, veterinarians diagnosed a uterine infection that had spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity. They performed an ovario-hysterectomy on the lion, and flushed her abdomen to remove infected material. The lion stayed at the animal hospital for monitoring, and died a few hours later.
Cause of death will be determined with the final pathology report at least several weeks from completion.
The 13-year-old lion was one of two females that came to the National Zoo this past summer from the Wildlife Waystation in California. Two lions one male and the second female remain on exhibit at the National Zoo.
Please visit http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/ for more information about this news release and to learn about the National Zoo and its programs.
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