Fort Wayne Zoo Lioness Diagnosed With Kidney Disease
Ina, an iconic resident at the Fort Wayne Zoo, began managing chronic kidney disease in September 2025.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Pet Health
Since her initial diagnosis in September 2025, Ina the lioness has been under specialized veterinary care at the Fort Wayne Zoo. The elderly lioness now receives routine medical support to manage her condition as she nears her 20th birthday.
Why it matters
Managing chronic kidney disease in aging captive lions requires a dedicated care team and specialized medical training for the animals. This diagnostic oversight is critical for maintaining quality of life for geriatric lions living in zoological environments.
Ina receives 2,000 cc of subcutaneous fluids during each 20-minute session. These treatments occur weekly to support kidney function as she approaches age 20 in October 2026.
The players
Ina
Ina is a long-standing female lion resident at the Fort Wayne Zoo who arrived at the facility in 2008.
Fort Wayne Zoo
The Fort Wayne Zoo is a major zoological institution in Indiana that manages the welfare and breeding programs for its resident animals.
Kiume
Kiume is a lion currently housed at the Fort Wayne Zoo whose future at the facility is pending review by the AZA Species Survival Plan.
The details
Care teams at the Fort Wayne Zoo monitor Ina’s blood pressure and blood health monthly to track the progression of her chronic kidney disease. To facilitate this care, Ina participates in voluntary medical training, allowing staff to administer necessary subcutaneous fluids through the enclosure mesh.
Timeline
Ina arrived at the Fort Wayne Zoo in 2008 at age two.
Male lion Bill died at the zoo in 2016.
Bahati passed away at the zoo in 2024.
Ina received her initial kidney disease diagnosis in September 2025.
Ina will turn 20 years old in October 2026.
Roadmap
The long-term future of the zoo's lion exhibit and the residency of Kiume are currently being managed under the established guidelines of the AZA Species Survival Plan. This framework dictates institutional decisions regarding animal placement, ensuring that breeding and population management reflect broader conservation goals.
Residents of Fort Wayne may note changes in how the zoo manages public displays of the lions as Ina continues her weekly medical training sessions. Visitors are encouraged to check for updates on the facility’s care programs for their geriatric animals.
The takeaway
Proactive medical training is a vital tool for zoos to manage chronic conditions in aging big cats without adding stress to the animal. Providing regular care through protective mesh ensures that animals receive essential treatment while maintaining safety for both the lion and the staff.
Further reading
For more information on the standards of animal care in the region, visit the Pet Health section.
