TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is posting an update on one of its resident lions Thursday after she experienced a health scare earlier in the week.
The Topeka Zoo announced in a social media post that resident lioness, Asante, is showing signs of improvement after she appeared disinterested in her food on Oct. 13. The 21-year-old lion is now eating food again and drinking water on her own.
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“Right now we have a whole ‘carnivore buffet’ that we have been presenting to her, so she gets whatever she wants to eat,” said Topeka Animal Curator Shanna Simpson. “Her mobility looks good given her age. Our amazing relationships with our animals is extremely helpful in times like this- the trust Asante has built with her care team has allowed us to continue to monitor her closely and provide for her. She’s truly incredible to work with.”
Guests at the zoo can now see male lion Tatu on display inside the lion exhibit. Asante will be kept out of sight as staff continue to monitor her health.
Asante is one of the oldest lionesses in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums network. Many lionesses usually live to around 16-20 in human care.
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