The San Antonio Zoo is mourning one of its most beloved animals. On Thursday, June 12, the zoo made the difficult decision to euthanize Tau, its 17-year-old male African lion. The big cat passed quietly under the care of veterinarians and animal care staff.

In a social media statement, the zoo explained that Tau had been in hospice for two weeks. The aging lion likely had degeneration in his lumbar spine discs, a common affliction for jungle hunters. Arthritic joints and a spinal disease played into the decision to let Tau go.

Born in Virginia Zoological Park in 2007, Tau arrived at the San Antonio Zoo in 2013 with female lion Sarabi. Two years later, he sired three cubs, who are now part of prides at other U.S. animal parks.
 
The statement included memories from the people who knew Tau best, his keepers. The zoo is offering professional grief counseling to help them get through the difficult time.
 
"We have been privileged enough to hear you wake the sun for nearly 2 decades, but now we settle into the inexorable quietude that follows in your wake," said one keeper. "San Antonio will mourn the loss of a powerful voice, but I know what I'll miss the most are our little talks."

"Tau was the master of the side-eye, head tilts, and stealing hearts," said another. "He loved to train while still testing the limits of his keeper's patience in the best way, often winning with one slight tilt of his beautifully maned head."

According to the statement, Sarabi will remain at the San Antonio Zoo. Before adding any new lions to the local pride, the zoo will consult with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' Species Survival Plan lion group.
 
There's no word yet on whether any public remembrances will be planned, but public tributes and messages of support are pouring in on the zoo's Facebook page. At the time of this article's publication, more than 180 San Antonians have expressed their condolences.