Goodbye, Reilly: NC Zoo announces sad death of 'fiercely devoted' elderly lion

Reilly, the oldest male lion in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, had been battling renal disease for several years. With his advanced age and weakened physical state, the animal care team and veterinarians made the heart-wrenching, quality-of-life decision to euthanize him.

"Reilly was a one-of-a-kind soul, and his morning roars will be greatly missed," said Zookeeper Beth Malott, who worked with him for eight years.

He's remembered as being fiercely devoted to his family – including his rambunctious offspring and his lady lion Mekita. He fathered nine cubs throughout his life.

With his passing, Mekita is now the only lion at the North Carolina Zoo.

He was born at Lincoln Park Zoo in 1999, and came to Asheboro in 2001.

A lion's average lifespan in the wild is about 10-15 years, while male lions under human care have a median life expectancy of 17 years.

"He far exceeded the average lifespan for lions under human care," said Animal Management Supervisor Jodi Wiley, who worked with Reilly for seven years. "This speaks volumes of the amazing care the keepers have given him over the years."

"I will surely miss hearing his roar from across the park," said Director of Animal Health and Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Jb Minter.