GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A lion that has called John Ball Zoo home for more than a decade is moving to a new facility.
Kiume will be moving to a different facility that is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums “in the near future,” the zoo shared in a social media post, saying the move was recommended by the AZA. The African lion will be paired with an older female lion at his new home.
The move comes after Abena, a female lion Kiume shared a strong bond with, died this spring. The 17-year-old lion was humanely euthanized after monthly injections stopped helping her move comfortably through arthritis and mobility challenges, the zoo said at the time.
Abena and Kiume were often seen relaxing together at the zoo, typically on the heated rock up front or the back portion of their habitat.
Kiume first came to Grand Rapids in 2012. John Ball Zoo did not specify where he’ll be headed next. The zoo called the move a “bittersweet farewell.”
“While we will miss him greatly, we are confident that he will receive exceptional care in his new home and continue to serve as a remarkable ambassador for African lions in the wild,” the zoo said on social media. “Please join us in wishing Kiume the best on his next journey by visiting him at the Zoo this week or sharing your favorite photos of him.”
Currently, Kiume is the zoo’s only lion, according to its website.