Perth Zoo lion Nelson dies
African Lion Nelson. Facebook)
Staff at Perth Zoo are mourning the loss of African Lion Nelson, after the 13-year-old succumbed to pneumonia.
Nelson was born in the UK and arrived in Perth, along with his litter brother Mandela, in 2007.
Nelson had been treated for pneumonia since January, but deteriorated in recent days, with further tests revealing an aggressive renal abscess, Perth Zoo said in a statement.
"Nelson was showing signs of a serious infection, and his prognosis for recovery was poor. Sadly, the difficult decision was made to end his suffering," the statement read.
A spokeswoman for Perth Zoo said African Lions usually live to about 12 years in the wild but can live more than 20 years in captivity.
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