Ina’s Long Reign
At 19 years old, Ina has far surpassed the average 15-year lifespan of her wild counterparts. Nicknamed “The Queen of Fort Wayne”, her highness has connected with over 10,270,120 guests since her arrival to the Fort Wayne Zoo in 2008, and her reign has been one of connection, inspiration, and education.
Considered a geriatric lion, Ina has increased health care needs, and in June of 2025, our Animal Health Team diagnosed her with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). With this diagnosis, Ina’s long reign is nearing its end.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Angel Mitchell, Registered Veterinary Technician at the Zoo, states that chronic kidney disease can develop over months, possibly even years. “The kidneys only have a certain number of nephrons, which are filtering units and their job is secretion and filtration to eliminate toxins and conserve water. They are not regenerating, so there is only a finite number, and once they are damaged, the disease will continue to progress further.”
Providing the Best Care
Before the CKD diagnosis, Ina’s care included monitoring, training, and routine exams that were typical for a geriatric lion. But for the past year, she has been part of a treatment plan, a monitoring plan, and a diligent weekly care schedule set by both the Animal Health and Animal Care Teams. The great medical care provided today has been built upon the great patience invested in her training over 10 years ago.
Voluntary training
In 2016, when Ina was 10 years old, her training journey took on new feats that proved to be imperative.
“I started working with Ina in 2016. We immediately reshaped her training plan to be less sheltered; by working alongside her and giving her a constant food reward for calm and attentive behavior, we found her personality really start to shine,” says Jacquelynn Barnes, Zoo Animal Care Supervisor. “It was also incredibly important to give her choice and control on whether or not she wanted to participate in her training. This power of choice led to trust. This trust she instilled made her braver and she wanted to train more, which pushed her training progression forward.”
After three patient years, the once timid lion was fully trained to take a voluntary injection.
Through trust, choice, and a hefty reward of whipped cream and goat’s milk, Ina’s training progressed to include routine blood pressure checks and blood draws.
Blood pressure and blood draws
“There is always an inherent risk when we have to anesthetize an animal, even when we are monitoring and preparing for problems. When you don’t have to anesthetize an animal, it’s much better for them and allows us to see how their organs are working. This is exactly why voluntary blood-work training is so important to me,” says Mitchell. “When I first came to the Zoo, one of my first goals was to be able to complete a successful voluntary blood draw on both lions to give us the power to check values as needed.”
Ina is voluntarily participating in blood draws once a month as we continue to closely monitor her values and blood pressure checks every other week.
See the video below to see how we monitor blood pressure.
Fluids
Every Wednesday, you will find Angel and Jacquelynn behind-the-scenes, giving Ina fluids.
“Along with blood pressure checks, the next best thing for her kidney health, coupled with any medication provided by the Veterinary Staff, is giving the kidneys fluids,” explains Barnes. “The African Carnivore Team has stepped in and added daily ice treats, added extra water along with a diluted-milk mixture for more hydration, and all-day access to her indoor space for colder, fresh water. We have added weekly subcutaneous injections to provide fluids.”
Similar to a human in the hospital, extra fluids are provided in the same setup: with a needle, a line, and the bag of fluids.
See the video below to see how we give Ina a fluid injection.
Quality of Life
While is it hard to imagine an end of Ina’s reign, Mitchell explains how our team of dedicated, forward-thinking individuals look ahead in order to provide the best possible care for every animal.
“We know which animals are prone to certain diseases, and cats in general, both domestic and large, are prone to Chronic Kidney Disease.” Throughout an animal’s life, they are closely monitored for symptoms and behaviors that may be linked to concerning ailments.
“We look at behaviors and from there, our options for medical treatment to plan for the future. Because we know CKD is common, her voluntary blood draw training was important to obtain a diagnosis. Now, we can frequently check her values and adjust treatment as needed. This will also allow us time to prepare for when her kidneys no longer function and how to keep her comfortable through end of life care.”
Though Mitchell, and our entire team of veterinary staff, think through scenarios for 1,500 animals, her attention for Ina has been nothing short of passionately attentive. As one of Ina’s biggest champions, she has done continued education specific to feline renal disease to ensure we are doing everything we can for the Queen of Fort Wayne. Along with working alongside the African Carnivore Care Team to ensure her medical training is in tip-top shape, the team of professionals advocating for Ina’s care is comprised of commendable individuals.
“I will never work with another lioness like Ina. Working with her has truly been a highlight of my career,” says Barnes. “Learning how she communicates and helping a once scared lion turn brave has help me become brave myself. The ways in which she has inspired me will remain with me even after her journey with us ends.”
Working Together
Safety first and always
Good training is done safely and collaboratively. As the Animal Care Supervisor over African Primate and Carnivore, safety to Barnes is crucial. “Any trainer that is working with an animal needs to build a relationship with any other person that may potentially be working with them. Angel and I have been working together for a long time and that relationship is imperative during a training session, not only for our own communication, but also to know what Ina is telling us and keeping everyone comfortable and safe.”
Safety measures in place are extensive for everyone who may enter behind the scenes, with only select staff being able to actually participate in her care.
“When working with protected contact species, there is always a barrier between us and the species. For example, fingers never go through mesh. I have been with Ina for a long time and we have trust, but she is still a dangerous lion and that trust is only upheld when she feels safe and we respect her space.”
Protected contact is just one safety measure, with red lines painted on the floor that can never physically be crossed. Another is radio calls when entering the space so there is always a safety contact aware of a person’s location and checking in. The last is a two-key-two-lock process which includes having two sets of eyes confirming where dangerous animals are to ensure a space is never shared.
A thank you to you!
“As the only lioness that Fort Wayne Zoo has ever had, I know she will be greatly missed by the community.” States Barns. “When she is not on habitat, people always ask about her. It’s great to see that interaction and be able to educate while seeing that admiration and bond they have for her. Having the community and Zoo Members support us has been absolutely instrumental. Throughout her journey, even now, our members, volunteers, daily attendance, and donors all help provide for her care. Your support means everything to us and Ina.”