Lindi: December, 1987 - February 2007

Photo by a friend and coworker of mine, obituary by of a member of our media department.

On October 31, 1988 Franklin County sheriff’s deputies and federal authorities conducted a drug raid at a Kansas farm. Deputies and federal agents entered a large barn on the farm, thinking they would find the building filled with bales of marijuana. They were right, but they also found a big surprise. Actually, three big surprises. Three African lions.

In June, 1989 all three arrived at the Zoo on loan from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department by way of Topeka Zoological Park. We got to know them as Bruno, Lindi, and Kili.

On Monday an era ended at the Zoo with the passing of Lindi. In the Zoo pride, she was always the dominant female on exhibit. And when the training window was completed in May we all saw on exhibit what the keepers had known for some time from their off exhibit experience – Lindi was the tug of war champion.

Lindi is survived by her niece Celesto who turns 17 in June and Boris, Lindi’s nephew who lives at the Dallas Zoo.

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We'll miss you Lindi.

For a good article on geriatric animals and the care they need and receive click here. This is talks about the St Louis Zoo but it applies to Houston as well.