Azizi, beloved lion at Moncton zoo, remembered as gentle prankster

Eric Michaud of Riverview recalls an incident in which Azizi, a male lion at the Moncton Zoo, threw urine at visitors over a fence.

His wife and daughter became victims of the lion's joke.

“Our oldest daughter got splashed on her arm and a little bit on her face, then I think my wife got splashed on her too, as did one of our friends, and other people as well,” he said with a laugh.

“It was just an element of surprise, not expecting it… you know, there was laughter too.”

Michaud and his wife have been visiting the lions at Magnetic Hill Zoo for 15 years.

He said he was sad to learn that Azizi, an 18-year-old, had to be euthanized on Wednesday due to his deteriorating health.

According to zoo director Selina Cowman, the lion suffered from arthritis and scoliosis due to aging. Information morning interview. According to her, Azizi is under special care.

Michaud described Azizi as a big, lazy cat who spent a lot of time next to his companion Amara. He said he could often be heard roaring loudly in the early morning.

He said Azizi tried to prank his family twice that year. They were ready for him a second time.

“That time, as soon as he backed off, we were like, ‘Oh, back off. We won't do this anymore. You can’t fool us twice, buddy,” Michaud said.

He said his eldest daughter cried when she learned of Azizi's death. His family will miss him, he said.

Roslyn Sambles of Fredericton said she remembers seeing Azizi and Amara as cubs. Her family has been visiting the lions since 2009.

She said losing Azizi made her cry.

She said Azizi was big and strong and had a magnificent mane. She also described the lion as very kind and loving to Amara.

“Every time I was there, I never saw any aggression from him,” Sambles said.

Sambles said she saw Azizi struggling to see Amara last summer.

“He moved towards her very slowly and carefully and responded to her with short, deep grunting roars,” she said.

“It seemed like she was saying, 'Come on honey, hurry up,' and he was saying, 'I'm trying, give me time, I'm not a young cub anymore.'

Sambles said she's worried about Amara now that she's alone.

The lioness is about the same age as Azizi and has no known health problems, Cowman said. She said there are no plans to bring in another lion in the near future.

“It was very emotional for the staff, especially those who worked with [Azizi] over the last almost 20 years,” Cowman said.

“Right now, obviously, we're focused on caring for Amara.”