Hertfordshire Zoo lion dies after kidney failure found during eye surgery

An Asiatic lion at Hertfordshire Zoo died after advanced kidney failure was discovered during an eye procedure. The 10-year-old lion, Sahee, was euthanized on Wednesday to prevent further suffering. Specialist veterinary ophthalmologist Dr David Williams from the University of Cambridge operated on Sahee's eyelid in August, which was rubbing against his eye and scratching his cornea. A full health assessment during the procedure revealed irreversible kidney failure, and his condition deteriorated rapidly. Sahee was born at Le Pal Wildlife Park in France and joined Hertfordshire Zoo in 2025 as an inaugural resident of the new Lions of India habitat. The zoo collected blood samples and swabs during the operation to avoid future anaesthesia.