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MIAMI (AP) — A lioness that had given birth to a healthy cub less than four months ago at Zoo Miami has died.
Zoo officials said Friday that Asha had displayed moderate to severe discomfort in recent days. It became increasingly difficult to get her to move from the exhibit to her den and she appeared in pain. Veterinarians were concerned she might have an infection.
Asha was put under anesthesia, examined and given X-rays. During the procedure, she went into cardiac arrest and couldn't be resuscitated.
A zoo spokesman says a necropsy didn't reveal any obvious cause for her illness or fatal reaction.
Asha's cub K'wasi was the first lion cub successfully exhibited with his mother in Zoo Miami's history.
The zoo is now considering several options for where to place him.
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