AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The city of Amarillo said the Amarillo Zoo lioness, Sarai, died of natural causes on Thursday at the age of 20.
According to City of Amarillo officials, Sarai was one of the oldest African lions under human care in the United States, with a typical life expectancy of 10 to 12 years without human interference and 15 to 18 years in zoological settings. Officials noted that Sarai had a “tough spirit and strong will” as she reached her advanced age, with the help of zoo staff and a devoted veterinarian.
City officials noted that Sarai arrived in Amarillo in 2006 and called Amarillo home along with her siblings, Solomon, a male lion, who passed away in June 2025, and her sister Sheba, who remains at the zoo.
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“Sarai and her siblings joined us in 2006 after spending their early days in a wildlife sanctuary,” said City of Amarillo Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “Our lions are older than most of our lifeguards. Sarai’s longevity was a testament to the love and care she received daily from zoo staff.”…