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Smithsonian National Zoo's 'Luke The Lion' Dead At 17 After Long Battle With Spinal Disease Smithsonian National Zoo's 'Luke The Lion' Dead At 17 After Long Battle With Spinal Disease
Smithsonian National Zoo's 'Luke The Lion' Dead At 17 After Long Battle With Spinal Disease Conservationists and fans of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Luke, an African lion who was humanely euthanized at 17-years-old after a long battle with spinal disease, announced officials. Luke passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19 after zookeepers noticed he was not bearing full weight on his right forelimb and had dropped weight. Luke had been treated for issues with his leg since 2016 for occasional discomfort and lameness. After a comprehensive veterinary examination, the veterinary team decided to not perform surgery on the majesti…

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by Annie DeVoe