Dresden Zoo Says Goodbye to Layla the Lioness

The Dresden Zoo is mourning the loss of its lioness, Layla. The zoo announced that it had decided, with a heavy heart, to euthanize the lioness, who was born in 2005. Despite her advanced age, Layla had generally been in good health in recent years, though she had also appeared restless and listless during several brief periods. 

She was diagnosed with kidney disease three years ago

According to the zoo, Layla was diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease in 2023—at that time, she was largely asymptomatic. “Nevertheless, we always expected that her incurable disease would lead to symptoms sooner or later. In recent months, Layla had been experiencing a steady loss of body mass and more frequent episodes of poor appetite and reduced well-being.”

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.