Lion dies at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
A 5-year-old white lion born at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort died during a routine medical procedure Thursday.
The lion, Prince, was being treated for an ear infection Thursday morning and put under anesthesia when he died, according to Nemacolin’s General Manager Jennifer Jubin.
Vice President of Marketing Vice President Jeff Nobers said their assessment indicates Prince’s death was caused by the anesthesia.
“Unfortunately, that’s just something that occurs with both animals and people. You don’t know they’re allergic to the anesthesia until they undergo it,” he said.
Prince was born at the resort July 6, 2010, and lived there for the duration of his life.
“He was a part of the Nemacolin family,” said Jubin. “We are devasted.”
Three lions remain at the resort, including Prince’s parents. The father is a white lion and the mother carries the gene to produce the rare color mutation.
Prince was a popular feature of the Wildlife Academy at the resort. He was featured in several YouTube videos and had a stuffed animal designed after him.