MONROE, La. (KTVE)– Basha, the female lion at the Monroe zoo, has passed away.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Director Joe Clawson issued the following statement regarding the lioness’s passing.

“We are sad to report that Basha the lioness, who has been a star at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo for twenty years, has passed away.  The exact cause of death will be determined in a necropsy.  Basha was 22-years-old and she was born and raised in captivity.  The typical lifespan for a lioness in captivity is 16 to 20 years.  The zoo will begin an immediate search to find a new companion for our male lion Rocco.”