Bahati, the male African lion at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, is being mourned by zoo staff and visitors. Bahati, who had been diagnosed with cancer, was humanely euthanized Thursday. Photo from the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.

News Release

FORT WAYNE — Bahati, the male African lion at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, who could often be seen on the ledge in the African Journey, is being mourned by zoo officials. Bahati had to be euthanized after being diagnosed with thymic cancer.

His cancer was discovered in early April, following a short period of having a loss of appetite. He rapidly declined despite palliative care and was humanely euthanized, with his care team surrounding him.

Bahati came to the zoo as an awkward adolescence without a mane in 2016 from Racine Zoological Gardens. He has been a loved member of African Journey and an ambassador for African lions in the wild.

Zoo officials noted Bahati loved the guests and helped them reach their mission of connecting kids and animals, inspiring care and strengthening families.

Memories and comments can be shared on the zoo’s Facebook page.