I posted a lot on my Instagram (@sddialedin) about my magical Monday at @sdzsafaripark, but I didn't mention that I went back on Wednesday afternoon. I only had a couple hours because the park was celebrating their 50 year anniversary and having a party for the higher echelon of memberships. I took the last regular hours tram of the day at 4:30 so by the time we were done, invitees were filling the park and I slowly meandered my way out. Before I left, a crowd had gathered to see Izu from the openair side of the habitat, so I posted up by the large plate glass all alone, hoping to catch his final roar of the afternoon before everyone followed him over.

I knew he wasn't long for this world, but I didn't know it would come so soon and this would be my last visit with him. Izu was euthanized the next day, May 12, 2022. I'm so glad I took the time to be with him his final evening on the earth.

Reposted from @sdzsafaripark

"The San Diego Zoo Safari Park family is heartbroken to share the passing of 18yearold male lion Izu. He had been experiencing agerelated health complications and his quality of life was declining, prompting wildlife care team members to make the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him.

As one of six lion cubs that arrived at Lion Camp when it first opened to guests in 2004, Izu was an iconic and integral part of the Safari Park family. Described as sweet, but not afraid to be direct when we wanted something, Izu was the heart of our pride at Lion Camp both in personality and presence. He was a fan favorite, delighting and touching the hearts of millions of guests as well as his wildlife care and health teams who worked tireless to provide him with an amazing life.