KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium said goodbye to two longtime friends on Wednesday.
According to the KC Zoo, the two animals who passed were 20-year-old male lion Shakarri and 29-year-old female chimpanzee Teeoni. Shakarri was euthanized as his quality of life had diminished, while Teeoni had been battling heart disease for over a year.
Shakarri reportedly died of age-related health issues and had recently stopped responding to medical treatment before the decision was made. He was one of four cubs born to parents Dumisani and Jean on June 28, 2005.
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KC Zoo says some of Shakaari’s favorite things were canned goat’s milk and chewing on small plastic tubes. Shakaari is survived by his sister Zuri.
Teeoni, however, had been battling heart disease, and two masses were found on other organs in her final days as well. The zoo decided to euthanize her when it was clear treatment would not improve her life.
Teeoni came to the KC Zoo in 2003 with her twin sister, TeeToo, and her mother, Rachel. Both Teeoni and TeeToo had similar heart conditions, leading the zoo to believe there may be a familial predisposition. TeeToo has also passed.
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Teeoni gave birth to Ruw in 2016 and formed close relationships with her nieces, Gracie, and her brother, Milo. KC Zoo says Teeoni was incredibly intelligent and stood out when it came to activities like fishing with a stick and trusted staff with regular checkups.
“These iconic Zoo residents were incredible ambassadors for their respective species; Shakarri and Teeoni will both be dearly missed,” KC Zoo wrote on Facebook.
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