Franklin Park Zoo Mourns Death of Last Lion

The 17-year-old male lion named Dinari was euthanized following a decline in his health.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Wildlife

Gouache-painted illustration of a quiet, empty zoo enclosure featuring natural rock formations and dry grass, evoking a sense of somber stillness. — Franklin Park Zoo officials announced the death of Dinari, a 17-year-old lion who was the final member of the zoo's lion collection. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Zoo New England has announced the passing of Dinari, a 17-year-old male lion at Boston's Franklin Park Zoo. Staff elected to euthanize the animal after medical assessments confirmed chronic renal failure.

Why it matters

The loss of Dinari marks the end of an era for the facility, as he was the final lion in the zoo's collection. His passing follows a period of declining health characterized by lethargy and a diminished appetite.

Dinari lived to be 17 years old, surpassing the species' average lifespan of 16 years. Blood work confirmed he suffered from chronic renal failure, which led to his decline.

The players

Zoo New England

This nonprofit organization manages the Franklin Park Zoo and is responsible for the care of its animal collection.

Franklin Park Zoo

Located in Boston, this 72-acre zoo is a major facility for regional wildlife conservation and public education.

The details

Dinari arrived at the Franklin Park Zoo in 2015 alongside his brother, Kamaia, who died in 2023 at the age of 14. The lion habitat currently stands empty while the zoo prepares for future arrivals.

Dinari and Kamaia moved to the Franklin Park Zoo in 2015.
Kamaia died in 2023 at the age of 14.
Dinari died in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The zoo's management of its lion population follows the protocols of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. This framework guides how facilities maintain genetic diversity and balance animal counts within human care.

Visitors to the Franklin Park Zoo will find the lion habitat temporarily empty as the facility makes plans for the future. No immediate changes to zoo access or general operations are expected following the loss of the resident lions.

The takeaway

Zoos often manage populations based on standardized lifespan metrics and health diagnostics to ensure animal welfare. Visitors interested in the zoo's future plans can monitor facility announcements regarding new animal acquisitions.