Phoenix Zoo Euthanized 22-Year-Old Lion 'Cookie' Because Of Spinal Issues

Officials at the Phoenix Zoo said that they had to euthanize one of their female African lions on Monday after debilitating changes in her vertebrae, reported ABC 15.

AZ Family reported that 22-year-old female lion, named Cookie, was humanely euthanized at the Phoenix Zoo due to "irreversible spinal issues."

According to Zoo officials, the lion had "severe, chronic, progressive, irreversible, degenerative changes in her vertebrae and spinal cord leading to significant hind limb muscle loss and weakness that greatly affected her mobility and quality of life."

Cookie lived longer than the average African lion. The average lifespan of an African lion is generally less than 17 years.

Cookie came to the Phoenix Zoo in 2005, and was originally transferred from the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Zoo keepers shared that Cookie will be remembered for loving fresh catnip, playing with paper mache balls, hunting ducks that landed in her enclosure, and lying on her back basking in the warm sun.

The Phoenix Zoo shared the news on Twitter, writing:

"We are deeply saddened to share the news that our 22-year-old female lion, Cookie was humanely euthanized yesterday. She lived a good, long life here at the Phoenix Zoo and will be greatly missed."

Photo: Getty Images