The John Ball Zoo, located in Grand Rapids, announced the death of its female mountain lion in a social media post on Friday afternoon, April 10.
The 14-year-old mountain lion, named Elsa, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and was euthanized, the Zoo said.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elsa, our beloved mountain lion, at 14 years old. Over the past several weeks, Elsa began showing subtle changes in her health that progressed quickly in recent days,” John Ball Zoo posted on Facebook on April 10. “A comprehensive veterinary exam revealed cancer affecting multiple organs. Following careful consideration and with her well-being at the forefront, the compassionate decision was made to humanely euthanize her.”
Elsa was the zoo’s only mountain lion, according to the John Ball Zoo website. She joined the zoo in 2011, according to the post.
She was said to be a favorite among the visitors and workers.
“From playfully stalking passing carts to greeting her caretakers with her signature chirps, she had a personality that left a lasting impression,” John Ball Zoo said. “She could often be found perched above her habitat, keeping a watchful eye on everything around her, or resting alongside her former companion, Eli.”
John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids, is a nonprofit corporation with more than 220 species and 31 acres for habitats.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: John Ball Zoo mountain lion, Elsa, dies from ‘aggressive’ cancer
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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