Asante

This photo is of Asante, the 22 year old lioness at the Topeka Zoo, on 5/16/2026. Asante was sleeping so peacefully in the shade of the walk through enclosure, which made it impressive to see the size of her paws up close and personal. A month later, we learned that Asante was having health issues, but had seen some improvement and was feeling better. Today, the Topeka Zoo staff announced that Asante passed away. Asante is “thank you” in Swahili. It is in her honor that I am submitting this photo as a thank you from her community. Taken by: Yolande Nichols