Shatari Update

Published on June 9, 2022

Shatari, Tulsa Zoo’s female African lion, is nearing a landmark birthday. She will turn 20 on June 23, making her one of the oldest lioness’ in the country. Due to her advanced age, she is experiencing a natural decline in health, which has led our veterinary and animal staff to begin end-of-life care monitoring.

She will remain at the African lion habitat with her companion Kalu, while staff members continue to monitor her quality of life including mobility, appetite and temperament. During your next visit, we invite you to come see Shatari and Kalu, but please know they may choose to be in their indoor dens because of the hot summer temperatures.