07/27/2026
“Lionhearted.” We describe someone that way when they’re bold, strong, and brave. Enoch Lion was all of those things … sometimes even demanding or stubborn. But what we’ll remember most about this particular lion IS his heart—his immense capacity for devotion and love. The bonds he formed with his pridemates, both lion and human, were unshakeable.
At a very senior 19 years old, Enoch had been experiencing increasing pain and declining mobility due to severe arthritis in his back legs and hips. When medication and other supportive care were no longer enough to provide relief, we knew it was time to let him go. And so, with deep sadness, we did, on July 21, 2026.
Enoch spent his entire life with us at the Animal Park, doted on as a cub by staff and volunteers, growing into magnificent maturity, and for many years sharing a habitat with (and keeping a watchful eye on) his sister, Hannah. When she died, it was soon clear to our keepers that Enoch needed new ladies to look after, so he settled in with older lionesses Katrina and Savik. After they both passed, he had the opportunity to move in with Willow Lion, who had recently lost her longtime companion. With Willow, Enoch happily lived out his last year, directing his constant attention and protective instincts her way.
He often let Willow (or before her, Hannah) lounge on the highest platform in their habitat while he rested his head on a denbox porch, log, or other platform to gaze up at her admiringly. When she hopped down to indulge him in a little grooming, head-butting, or snuggling, he thrived on the attention.
The same was true for attention from human friends. After spending his earlier years away from the tour path, Enoch developed a keen curiosity about most two-legged visitors, and openly adored his chosen people. Those close relationships were not only enduring but distinctly personal. From one very special Lifetime Adopter, he expected songs—there was a repertoire, and he would let her know if she went out of order or didn't sing one correctly. From another, he preferred to be lavished with sweet talk and meat treats. He would immediately perk up at the sound or sight of one of his people approaching, trot over towards the fencing at the edge of his habitat, and rub his head and body along it in welcome.
Enoch always made his likes and dislikes abundantly clear. Likes: turkey legs and necks, a chance to thoroughly groom his face and paws, soft breezes that fluffed his mane, enrichment (particularly cardboard Bumble snow monsters), and playtime in his younger days—even when Hannah would mischievously sweep a back leg out from under him as he passed. Dislikes: salmon, neighboring male lions who stared over-intently at his lady, and too many favorite people and lionesses being present at once, a scenario that could confuse or overwhelm him. He also was known to take deep offense when human friends passed him by with only a quick hello on their way to attend to other animals.
Communication, for Enoch, was easy. His expressive face spoke volumes with a shift of his eyes, a flutter of his lashes, a crinkle of his nose, a curl of his lip. Even more emphatic were his vocalizations: He greeted readily with a “Woh, woh, woh,” he griped when griping seemed called for, he barked if surprised or insulted, he oofed often and with enthusiasm, and he unleashed deep, loud, long rumbles that an Adopter compared to an idling vintage Harley-Davidson. While endearing to Adopters and admirers, those monologues could sometimes be interpreted by others as “Wow, he really doesn’t like me.” And considering his size and strength, his impressive volume and puffed-up posturing could understandably seem intimidating. Really, though, once his point was made—”I am a big, tough lion, and don’t you ever forget it”—he would readily move on.
We’re so grateful that Enoch shared his strong opinions with the thousands of visitors who might otherwise never have heard or felt the overwhelming power of a lion’s call. Many of us at the Park and beyond will carry the memory of that booming roar, big personality, and fierce devotion with us always. As he would have wanted, we’ll be giving lots of extra attention to Willow in the days ahead. And as ever, we’re thankful for the support of our community at this time.
