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

Riverview’s Eric Michaud remembers the time when Azizi, the male lion at the Moncton zoo, sprayed visitors with urine through the fence.

His wife and daughter fell victim to the lion’s prank.

“Our oldest daughter got sprayed on the hand and a little bit in the face, then I think my wife got some on her as well, as did one of our friends, actually, and so did other people,” he said with a laugh.

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

Michaud and his wife have visited the lions at the Magnetic Hill Zoo for 15 years now.

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

The lion was suffering from arthritis and scoliosis due to aging, zoo director Selina Cowman said during an Information Morning interview. Azizi was receiving special care, she said.

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

He said Azizi tried pulling the pee prank on his family twice in the same year. They were ready for him the second time.

“That time as soon as he backed up, we’re like, ‘Oh, back up. We’re not doing this again. You’re not going to fool us twice, buddy,” Michaud said.

He said his oldest daughter cried when she learned about Azizi’s death. The family will miss him, he said.

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

She said the loss of Azizi made her cry.

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

“Any time I’ve been there, I’ve never seen any kind of aggression from him,” Sambles said.

Sambles said she could see Azizi struggling as he walked toward Amara last summer.

“He was moving really slowly and gingerly over to her and he would answer her with these short, deep grunt roars,” she said.

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

Sambles said she is worried about Amara now that she is alone.

The lioness is about Azizi’s age and has no known health concerns, said Cowman. There are no immediate plans to bring in another lion, she said.

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

“Right now, obviously our focus is on Amara’s care.”