Heartbreak as 17-month-old lion cub is euthanized at Chicago's Lincoln Zoo

Staff at a zoo in Chicago are heartbroken after an African lion cub, aged just 17-months-old, had to be euthanized over the weekend.

Known affectionately as Lomelok, the cub had suffered 'mobility challenges' since he was only a few weeks old, caused by a deformity in his lower spine.

Animal Care and veterinary staff made the difficult decision to euthanize the cub at Lincoln Park Zoo, despite having surgery earlier this year which was hoped might alleviate his ailment.  

Staff at the zoo said the cub 'garnered attention and the hearts of zoogoers as he navigated a spinal birth defect.'

Lomelok,  an African lion cub, that was just 17-months-old, had to be euthanized at a zoo in Chicago over the weekend

The cub at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo had severe mobility challenges since birth

Lomelok had had developed a following among zoo goers to the Chicago-based zoo

In March, Lomelok underwent surgery but his 'recovery had been slow and steady.'

But after many weeks of progress, medical intervention and physical therapy, it was clear Lomelok was still not thriving as a young lion cub should. The zoo said it was clear the lion was not going to make a full recovery. 

'As he continued to grow, Lomelok showed increased rear limb concerns and reduced activity levels which were evaluated by veterinarians, a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, and more. Following these extensive diagnostic measures, Lomelok was diagnosed with a narrowing of the channels in which nerves travel.' 

Adding to his health complications, the zoo said Lomelok had recently developed a gastrointestinal obstruction that would require another intense surgery.

Faced with a lengthy recovery that second surgery would require, the zoo decided to have the cub euthanized instead.

'When he presented with a gastrointestinal obstruction that would require another intense surgery and long recovery in isolation, the difficult decision was made to say goodbye to Lomelok,' the statement explained.

The zoo said Lomelok was known for his laid-back personality, 'both figuratively and literally, as one of his favorite things to do was lay upside down and show his white belly fur.'

In March, Lomelok underwent surgery with his his 'recovery had been slow and steady'

Lomelok showed concerns with his rear limbs concerns 

The lion cub is seen recovering from an operation to help him walk better earlier this year

Lomelok is seen with his pride of brothers Pesho, Sidai, and Pilipili

'There are no words to articulate how deeply he will be missed,' Curator of Mammals Cassy Kutilek said.

'Lincoln Park Zoo grieves this loss with our community,' the statement read.  

'Lomelok's story spread far & wide. This loss will be felt by so many. Our teams are hurting and we are grieving. Our hearts go out to everyone who cared about this special lion,' the zoo added on X.

Lomelok's name means 'sweet' in the Maa language, which is spoken in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania.

Last summer, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed its newest resident, a baby zebra, weighing 105 pounds.

This birth was particularly notable, as Grevy's zebras are endangered, with fewer than 2,000 of the species in the wild due to a loss of habitat and hunting.