Dresden Zoo Says Goodbye to Layla the Lioness

The lioness’s condition deteriorated rapidly

In recent days, the lioness’s overall condition had deteriorated severely and rapidly, the statement continued. “She appeared tired and listless, refused to eat anything—presumably due to nausea—and even minor exertion left her extremely exhausted.” Most recently, she had been almost completely apathetic. To spare her further suffering, the decision was made to euthanize the lioness.

Layla gave birth to lion cubs at the Dresden Zoo

Layla was born on November 15, 2005, at the Amsterdam Zoo and grew up there with other lion cubs. Layla had been living at the Dresden Zoo since July 25, 2007, where she and the male lion Jago moved into the then-newly opened lion enclosure in the historic Predator Cliff. With the twins Abaja and Damien, born in 2012, the Dresden pride had grown to four lions. After Jago’s death in April 2022, Layla became the leader of the group.

“The zookeepers described her as a confident and friendly animal,” the zoo reported. Damien is now the only lion remaining in Dresden. Since he will have to manage without any fellow lions for the time being, the zookeepers will take even more intensive care of him.