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