“The King of the Jungle has moved on…. Rest in peace Leroy” – Southwick’s Zoo

Leroy the beloved lion at Southwick’s Zoo passed yesterday, October 24, 2013.

Southwick’s Zoo announced on their facebook page “The King of the Jungle has moved on…. Rest in peace Leroy. Thank you to all who cared for him and loved him. He is sadly missed.” Southwick’s also thanked their visitors, “We would like to thank our fans for their thoughts and support during this time. Leroy was loved deeply by everyone and he will be greatly missed.”

Leroy was over 20 years old and wasn’t doing very well over the winter but perked up in time for opening season, the life expectancy of a captive lion is about 20 years. Leroy made it almost the entire season giving his fans one last change to visit with him.

Leroy will be missed but fortunately for Leroy’s fans the circle of life continues. Leroy’s legacy will live on in LJ and Lavannah, offspring of Leroy and Savannah born in October of 2012.

Leroy’s mate Savannah will go to live with another mate, she will not be alone. LJ and Lavannah will be moved in to the lion habitat.