Ina the lioness at the Fort Wayne Zoo. Photo taken in 2025 and courtesy of the Fort Wayne Zoo.
At 19 years old, Ina has far surpassed the average 15-year lifespan of her wild counterparts.
Fort Wayne Zoo news release:
Training and Specialized Care Leads to Early Diagnosis for Beloved Lioness, Ina
Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 29, 2026) — At 19 years old, Ina has far surpassed the average 15-year lifespan of her wild counterparts. Considered a geriatric lion, Ina has increased health care needs, and through years of voluntary training, in June 2025, the Zoo’s Animal Health Team was able to diagnose Ina with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
CKD is a progressive condition that affects the kidneys’ ability to filter toxins and conserve water.
The kidneys have a certain number of nephrons, which are filtering units, and their job is secretion and filtration to eliminate toxins and conserve water. There are a finite number of nephrons, and once they are damaged, the disease will continue to progress further.
“Ina’s chronic kidney disease has progressed over the past few months and is approaching end-stage disease. It is hard to say what her continued progression will look like, but right now she is clinically doing very well. Her training has been essential to her continued medical management and is a testament to her keeper-animal relationships.” States Dr. Caitlin Hemby, Staff Veterinarian at the Fort Wayne Zoo.
Ina’s current treatment plan includes monthly voluntary blood draws, blood pressure checks every other week, medications as needed, and weekly subcutaneous fluids.
“Along with blood pressure checks, the next best thing for her kidney health, coupled with any medication provided by the Veterinary Staff, is giving the kidneys fluids,” explains Jacquelynn Barnes, Animal Care Supervisor. “The African Carnivore Team has stepped in and added daily ice treats, added extra water along with a diluted goal milk mixture for more hydration, and all-day access to her indoor space for colder, fresh water.”
As this disease progresses, our team is focused on maintaining Ina’s quality of life and ensuring she remains comfortable as her condition changes.
Ina the Lioness at the Fort Wayne Zoo. Photo taken in 2026 and courtesy of the Fort Wayne Zoo.
“As the only lioness the Fort Wayne Zoo has ever had, Ina has become a beloved member of the Fort Wayne community,” says Rick Schuiteman, Fort Wayne Zoo Executive Director & CEO. “Ina has connected with over 10 million guests since her arrival at the Zoo in 2008, and her time here has been built on connection, inspiration, and education.
I am proud of our dedicated staff who have provided her with exceptional care and continue to be there for her during this challenging time.”
The Zoo is grateful to its members, volunteers, donors, and guests whose continued support helps provide the specialized care Ina receives.
You can learn more about her treatment and diagnosis by clicking here.
About the Fort Wayne Zoo
The Fort Wayne Zoo is northeast Indiana’s largest tourist attraction, hosting more than 650,000 guests annually. The Zoo is home to Red Panda Ridge named #6 in USA Today 10 Best Zoo Exhibits for 2024. In 2021, the Zoo was voted Visit Indiana’s “Summer Bucket List Top Attraction” and is consistently named one of the nation’s Top Ten Zoos for Kids by national media outlets.
A conservation leader, the Zoo invests annually in local, regional, and international efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. The Zoo cares for more than 1,500 animals and participates in 41 cooperative species survival plan programs and 42 taxon advisory groups, which are critical to supporting threatened species.
As a self-supporting facility, the Fort Wayne Zoo receives no tax dollars for daily operations, unlike most accredited zoos where those dollars fund approximately 40% of their annual operating budgets. The Zoo’s mission is made possible thanks to support derived from admissions, memberships, donations, group picnics, special ticketed events, and other visitation-related activities.
