Oregon Zoo's Oldest Male Lion Zawadi Mungu Dies at 18

The longtime leader of the zoo's African lion pride was among the oldest male lions in North America.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:56pm by Ben Kaplan

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus close-up of a lion's face, with soft pools of warm color and light creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene that captures the essence of the beloved animal.The Oregon Zoo's beloved lion Zawadi Mungu, whose gentle spirit and playful personality endeared him to millions, will be deeply missed.Portland Today

The Oregon Zoo announced the death of Zawadi Mungu, an 18-year-old male African lion who was the longtime leader of the zoo's lion pride. Zawadi was among the oldest male lions in North America, with care teams working to support his mobility in his later years through modifications to his habitat and veterinary treatments.

Why it matters

African lions are listed as a vulnerable species, with populations declining in the wild. Zawadi's long life at the Oregon Zoo helped raise awareness for lion conservation and allowed millions of visitors to connect with the species.

The details

Zawadi had been slowing down due to age-related health issues, prompting the zoo's care teams to make habitat modifications and provide physical therapy and cold-laser treatments to support his mobility. Born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2007, Zawadi arrived in Portland in 2009 and went on to father two litters of cubs, with two of his offspring still living at the Oregon Zoo.

  • Zawadi was born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2007.
  • Zawadi arrived at the Oregon Zoo in 2009 when the zoo opened its Predators of the Serengeti exhibit.
  • Zawadi was named the Oregon Zoo's 'Father of the Year' in 2014.

The players

Zawadi Mungu

An 18-year-old male African lion who was the longtime leader of the Oregon Zoo's lion pride and among the oldest male lions in North America.

Kelly Gomez

The Oregon Zoo employee who oversees the zoo's Africa area.

Dr. Carlos Sanchez

The Oregon Zoo's director of animal health.

Dr. Colleen Begg

A conservationist with the Niassa Carnivore Project.

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What they’re saying

“He had paws the size of dinner plates and a roar so loud you could feel it in your chest. But he also had a goofy, playful personality that instantly endeared him to keeper staff.”

— Kelly Gomez, Overseer of the Oregon Zoo's Africa area

“Our care team had such a great relationship with Zawadi. Training and motivating a big male lion to participate in those exercises is quite a feat.”

— Dr. Carlos Sanchez, Oregon Zoo Director of Animal Health

“Zawadi created that connection for millions who may never see a lion in the wild. Every one of those connections helps build a future where lions endure for generations to come.”

— Dr. Colleen Begg, Niassa Carnivore Project

What’s next

The Oregon Zoo plans to hold a memorial service for Zawadi Mungu on April 15th to celebrate his life and legacy.

The takeaway

Zawadi's long life at the Oregon Zoo helped raise awareness for the conservation of African lions, a vulnerable species facing declining populations in the wild. His story demonstrates the important role that zoos can play in connecting the public with endangered species and building support for their protection.