Bakko — one of the male lions born at Reid Park Zoo in December 2013 — died Wednesday night of issues related to valley fever and kidney disease, said the zoo’s veterinarian.
“He was diagnosed this summer with valley fever and kidney disease and was treated aggressively for months,” said veterinarian Alexis Moreno. The treatment included a combination of oral medication and IVs of medications and fluids, Moreno said.
It was not known if the valley fever brought on the kidney disease.
“It could have been two separate conditions,” said Moreno.
The University of Arizona, in partnership with veterinarians from the zoo, conducted a necropsy, which revealed that Bakko “had significant inflammation and ulceration throughout his stomach,” officials said. Further results are awaiting tissue tests.
All of Bakko’s treatment took place at the zoo, and he was not in isolation. He was kept with his brothers, Jelani and Sango, and his sister, Nayo, because the animals do better with companionship, explained Moreno. Their mother is Kaya and their father is Shombay.
Valley fever is not contagious among animals. Animals get it from the environment. “It is a fungus that lives in the soil everywhere in Southern Arizona, so you really can’t avoid exposure to valley fever,” said Moreno.
Bakko’s conditions were found early because the zoo staff does routine exams and screenings before symptoms develop, Moreno explained.
The cubs and Bakko’s parents do not know Bakko has died, said Moreno. She said they were not allowed around his body because it had to be preserved for the necropsy.
Moreno and the zookeepers were at Bakko’s side when he died. “He did not suffer in the end. He was on several different medications, just like a human who is sick,” she said.
“This animal received amazing care,” said Jason Jacobs, zoo administrator. “We were in the process of getting blood from one of his brothers in anticipation of a transfusion to perform open exploratory surgery.”
“Our community should take comfort and pride in knowing that our staff made every effort to treat this animal,” Jacobs said.
