An animal autopsy, known as a necropsy, was conducted by the zoo’s veterinary staff and confirmed Nyack died of suffocation from neck injuries.
A female lion unexpectedly attacked the father of her three cubs at the Indianapolis Zoo — and killed him.
“An unusual amount of roaring from the outdoor lion yard” was heard by animal care staff early morning on Oct. 15, according to a statement released Friday by the Indianapolis Zoo.
Employees saw an adult lioness named Zuri being hostile with 10-year-old Nyack, a lion on loan from the San Diego Zoo.
“She had Nyack by the neck. Keepers came up and saw what was occurring and made an attempt to separate the two. But she continued to hang onto Nyack by the neck until he stopped moving,” David Hagan, curator of the Indianapolis Zoo, told Reuters.
Sukari, the 3-year-old daughter of Zuri and Nyack, was in the lion yard at the time of the attack.
An animal autopsy, known as a necropsy, was conducted by the zoo’s veterinary staff and confirmed Nyack died of suffocation from neck injuries.
“They were compatible with no outward indication that an event like this would occur,” zoo officials said in the press release.
Both Nyack and Zuri were part of a Species Survival Plan and had lived together for eight years.
Animal care staff had never reported abnormal aggression, injuries or wounds between Nyack and Zuri before the unexpected attack.
“Nyack was a magnificent lion & will be greatly missed. We appreciate the support from our community as we cope with the loss,” the zoo tweeted.
A “thorough review” will be conducted by the Indianapolis Zoo in attempt to understand what caused Zuri to attack her longtime partner.
Following Nyack’s death, the zoo does not plan on changing how it manages lions, and Zuri will remain in her female pair group with her daughter Sukari.
