10/22/2026
We are devastated to announce the passing of our regal African lion, Dinari.
At 17 years old, Dinari was a geriatric lion living beyond the median life expectancy of a lion. As he aged, his care team closely monitored his weight, body condition and demeanor. Over the past week, his health steeply declined, and he had been lethargic with little appetite. Recent blood work pointed to signs of chronic renal failure. Following the rapid decline in Dinari’s health and quality of life, as well as a poor prognosis, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
Dinari and his brother Kamaia, who passed away in 2023, moved to Franklin Park Zoo in 2015. From their first winter here, their dislike for snow was apparent. Despite that, Dinari still showed a preference for being outside. Even with last year's heavy snowfall, his caretakers shoveled a pathway for him to be able to walk without stepping in snow to get up on his heated rock.
"My favorite memory of Dinari was his relationship with his brother Kamaia. They were always together, and it was fun to see two big male lions playing together like a couple of kittens," remembers Asst. Curator Chris at Franklin Park Zoo.
"Dinari was definitely a cat! He was very choose-y about when he wanted to engage with us or his enrichment, but he rarely turned down a good nail scratch opportunity on a log or a ball he could swat and carry," recalls Senior Keeper Nicole.
"I remember one time he carried his orange ball into his outdoor habitat, walk it right over to the edge, lay down with it and bat it right down the moat! It was the cutest thing to watch, even if it meant we had to climb down the moat to retrieve it," shares Keeper Sarah.
We will all miss seeing Dinari sitting regally on his heated rock, watching this impressive big cat patrol his habitat and hearing his roar echo across the zoo. Thank you for keeping his care team in your hearts right now, and feel free to share a picture or memory of Dinari in the comments.
More about Dinari and his passing here ➤ zoonewengland.org/zoo-news/2026/october/franklin-park-zoo-mourns-loss-of-dinari-lion/
