Remembering Makini

We are heartbroken to share that we have said goodbye to our African lion, Makini.

Our animal care team had been closely monitoring him since the death of his longtime partner, Tajiri, in November 2025. Over the last several months, advanced arthritis had greatly impacted his joints. Recently, he started showing significant signs of weakness in his hind end and was struggling to navigate. The team made the difficult and compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him. At 17.5 years old, he was considered geriatric and surpassed the life expectancy for this species. The life expectancy of lions in the wild is 10-14 years.

Makini spent the majority of his life at the Zoo, coming here in December of 2011 from Tulsa Zoo where he was born. He and his mate Tajiri welcomed four female cubs in June of 2014 as a part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. Makini was well loved by so many, known for his strong personality, and was especially beloved for his tongue that would stick out ever so slightly while he was resting. He served as an incredible ambassador for his species for the hundreds of thousands of guests who had the chance to know him.

From Animal Care Specialist Christine D.

“There are so many things I will miss about Makini – his morning roar, his running to greet us every day, and his big (and goofy) personality. Mak was one of a kind, and I am truly honored to have been part of his care for so many years. I take comfort in knowing he is now with his beloved Tajiri.”

From Animal Care Specialist Michelle S.

“Makini was one of the first cats in Big Cat Falls to steal my heart when I joined the team. I was always so grateful when he would roll around on his back in the mornings when I greeted him. It truly meant the world to me for him to feel so comfortable in my presence once I gained his trust. I feel at ease knowing he and Tajiri are reunited and most likely chasing each other around with periodic cuddle breaks. I will never forget watching him run around the habitat in his not-so-graceful manner as Tajiri chased after him, truly a sight to see. He will be missed enormously.”

From Animal Care Specialist Shannon K.

“Makini was a force to be reckoned with and he made sure you knew that. He was all sorts of tough and manly, yet was goofy and would have you laughing several moments later. His presence is something that is surely going to be missed. I will cherish all the time we spent together.”

With the loss of Makini, we are having active conversations with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan on the future of lions at Philadelphia Zoo. We will keep you informed as the process progresses.

African lions are found in the grasslands and savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. They are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to PennVet’s Division of Comparative Medicine and Research for their support and for performing the necropsy and pending histopathology on Makini.