A 14-year-old female lion at Brit Spaugh Zoo died Monday. "Dakura" did not wake up after being anesthetized for her annual physical exam. She died around 12:30 p.m.

Zoo Director Scott Gregory said staff had recently noticed the lion was lethargic and seemed to be having health issues. They had hoped to learn more after the exam. Instead, the medical team performed a necropsy to diagnose the cause of death, and results are expected to be available in four to six days.

"Dakura has been a member of the zoo collection since 1996," Gregory said. She was acquired from Safari Zoological Park in Caney. "You can still visit with Dakura’s brother and sister, who are on display at the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo year-round."

The male lion, Mumbasa, was in the news earlier this month after breaking a large canine tooth while chewing on its cage, back on Feb. 3. Great Bend veterinarian Dr. Mike Malone said the tooth was broken two-thirds of the way down. On Feb. 7, a veterinary dentist who specializes in exotic animals came to Great Bend to help save the tooth. The dentist does some work for the Sedgwick County Zoo, which is helping Great Bend work toward accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA.

"Because we had this association with the Sedgwick County Zoo, we were able to call him and get a team put together in a very short time," Malone said. The dentist came prepared to do a root canal, but found the bottom part of the root was still healthy, so he performed a different procedure that is working so far.

All of the zoo’s animals receive annual examinations if possible. The other female lion, Burasha, is scheduled for her exam on March 2.