Beloved lion at Henry Vilas Zoo has died

Lion had eight cubs while at the zoo

Published On: Jun 14 2012 06:57:06 AM CDT   Updated On: Jun 14 2012 09:47:34 AM CDT
Beloved lion at the Henry Vilas Zoo has died
MADISON, Wis. -

One of the most popular animals at the Henry Vilas Zoo has died from cancer.

The 16-year-old lion, named Vilas, died after cancer spread from her mammaries to her lymph nodes.

She came to the zoo in 1997, along with a male lion, Henry.

Vilas had eight cubs, including her most recent, Leo, who was born in December 2010, and is still at the zoo.

Zookeepers are now working to find a new female lion to be with Henry.

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