Fort Wayne Zoo Lioness Celebrates 20th Birthday
Ina, a long-time resident of the African Journey exhibit, marked two decades of life with a special celebration.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wildlife
The Fort Wayne Zoo recently honored the 20th birthday of its resident lioness, Ina. The milestone was celebrated as the zoo continues to provide ongoing care for the lioness following a chronic diagnosis.
Why it matters
The milestone highlights the zoo's commitment to geriatric animal care and the management of chronic conditions for aging species in captivity.
Ina is one of approximately 20,000 African lions currently in the wild, an estimate that underscores the importance of managed populations. She has been in the care of the Fort Wayne Zoo since 2009.
The players
Ina
Ina is a 20-year-old lioness who has resided at the Fort Wayne Zoo since 2009.
Kiume
Kiume is a male lion who has shared a habitat with Ina since early 2025.
Fort Wayne Zoo
The Fort Wayne Zoo is the institution that manages the African Journey exhibit where Ina lives.
The details
To mark her birthday, Ina enjoyed a watermelon treat and destroyed boxes containing her meat meals. Her current care regimen includes weekly subcutaneous fluids, biweekly blood pressure checks, and monthly blood draws to manage her Chronic Kidney Disease.
Timeline
Ina arrived at the Fort Wayne Zoo in 2009.
Ina lived with companion lion Bill from 2009 to 2016.
Ina lived with companion lion Bahati from 2016 to 2024.
Ina was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in June 2025.
Ina celebrated her 20th birthday on October 23, 2026.
Culture Shift
The longevity of animals in modern zoological institutions represents a shift toward advanced veterinary medicine and geriatric animal husbandry. This approach contrasts with the broader decline of the estimated 20,000 African lions currently living in the wild.
Residents and visitors can observe Ina and her companion Kiume at the African Journey exhibit through October 31, 2026. This provides a limited opportunity for the public to engage with the zoo's geriatric care success stories.
The takeaway
Providing specialized geriatric care allows aging animals to thrive well beyond their typical life expectancy. Proper monitoring and environmental enrichment remain essential for maintaining quality of life for senior zoo residents.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in our Wildlife section.
