Nov. 12--The Lincoln Park Zoo's lioness, Myra, had to be euthanized Tuesday at age 18 after going into declining health recently, the zoo announced.
Myra was rescued as a cub in South Africa and came to the zoo in 1997. She and male lion Adelor had three cubs in 1998, according to a release from the zoo.
Adelor was euthanized in February 2012, and later that year, the zoo brought in 4-year-old Sahar from the Bronx Zoo to share Myra's habitat at the Kovler Lion House.
"She was the boss when he arrived as a young guy, but he came into his own as he matured, and they developed a nice bond," Lion House curator Mark Kamhout said in the release.
Myra was beyond the average age of 16.8 years for lions that live in zoos in North America. She had been in good health until recently, according to the zoo.
The zoo has set up a page on its website for visitors to share their memories of Myra.
