RIP Juma

We are very sad today because our favorite Lion, has passed away.

It is with great sadness that the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium announces that Juma, our 21-year-old male African lion, has passed away. Juma, one of the five oldest male lions living in the United States, had been suffering from age-related ailments and in the past year including feline dementia.Visitors could always catch him and his constant companion, Shiba, out during the day, lounging on their rock. “Juma would sit very still and watch the visitors stop and take photos,” says Kathy Suthard, lead carnivore keeper. “Sometimes he would roar to let everyone know that this was his territory.”

Owen and I will miss you, Juma.