Lion dies at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park

A lion who was rescued from a Romanian zoo has died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Johnyy Senior was one of the oldest lions known in captivitity along with being the eldest of 13 lions rescued by the Yorkshire Wildlife Park two years ago from Oradea Zoo in Romania. His health had declined until he had a poor quality of life and in consultation with the vets the Park's ethical committee made the decision to have him put to sleep.

The 30-year-old lion was a father to 3-year-old twins Dani and Simba and spent his last hours in the Lion House, where he had lived since 2010. He was elderly when he was transported to the UK and had ulcers on his feet and tail as well as being emaciated by a poor diet. His condition vastly with veterinary care.