Cleo, the famous lioness who captivated visitors to the Sacramento Zoo, has died at the age of 19

Cleo, the stately lioness and a beloved mainstay at the Sacramento Zoo, has died. She was 19.

Cleo is “one of the zoo’s most treasured and iconic animals,” officials said in a statement Tuesday, adding that “her impact on staff, visitors and the conservation community will never be forgotten.” She has been adored by many over the years, and the Sacramento Zoo and Cleo’s dedicated care team deeply appreciate the love and support of our zoo family during this time.”

Zoo officials said the lioness had suffered from a number of ailments in recent years, including kidney disease that had steadily progressed with age. A recent scan confirmed that Cleo’s kidneys were failing.

“Over the past few months, Cleo has shown signs that her kidney disease is worsening and that this is affecting her well-being, appetite and routine,” said Sacramento Zoo veterinarian Dr. Jenessa Gjeltema said in a statement on Tuesday announcing Cleo’s death. “After carefully considering all options, the team made the kind decision to euthanize Cleo.”

The African lioness arrived in Sacramento 17 years ago when she was just 2 years old. At the end of her life, she was one of the oldest lions in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ African Lion Species Survival Plan population.

Cleo and her longtime pal Kamau, who predeceased her in June 2023 at age 16, were perennial favorites at the zoo, none more so than in 2014, when the pair gave birth to a litter of lion cubs. The following year, the Sacramento Zoo celebrated the cubs’ first birthday – and the zoo’s 500,000th visitor.

Like his beloved companion, Kamau was remembered after his death as a “charismatic and iconic personality.”

In 2019, the zoo built a larger habitat and enclosure for the pair. The length of the glass wall was twice as large as the previous environment, allowing zoo visitors – and Cleo – a close view of each other. More than one image shows the iconic cat, one paw pressed against the glass, searching for connection with the human on the other side.

Tom Nakayama, Cleo’s caretaker throughout her 17 years in Sacramento, felt a special connection to the African lioness.

“I feel like I had a real connection with Cleo,” he said. “She always seemed happy to see me and I always seemed happy to see her.”