Zawadi Mungu, elder statesman of the African lion pride and one of the oldest male lions in North America, died at the Oregon Zoo. (Oregon Zoo)Oregon Zoo announced the death of Zawadi Mungu, the longtime leader of its African lion pride, who died at age 18 — among the oldest male lions in North America. “But he also had a goofy, playful personality that instantly endeared him to keeper staff.”In the wild, male lions rarely live past 12 years. Zoo staff said he was pampered with enrichment items and his favorite treats. Two of his offspring, Niara and Mashavu, still live at the Oregon Zoo.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 02, 2026 19:25 UTC