Exotic Incident #2866
Incident Date:
10/08/2002
Location:
Washington, DC - USA
Facility Name:
National Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
Lion
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
A 13-year-old lion named Tana was found dead in his cage one day after a complete checkup. Zoo records show that nearly twice as much anesthesia was used on Tana as in 8 previous procedures. Keepers called twice after the exam to tell vets that Tana was groggy and glassy-eyed, but no vet checked on him after he was returned to his exhibit. The pathology report concluded that Tana died of complications of anesthesia. A preliminary necropsy found the death was due to an unexplained buildup of blood and fluid in his lungs.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/daily/graphics/zoo_120703.htm