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LA Zoo Officials Euthanize 'Cookie' The Lioness

GRIFFITH PARK (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles Zoo officials reportedly confirm that a 23-year-old lioness was euthanized Friday after her health had deteriorated quickly over the last month.

Initial necropsy reports indicated that the lioness, who zoo employees called "Cookie", was suffering from cancer, the Los Angeles Times reported.

In a statement, officials said Cookie's longevity pointed to how well she was taken care of at the zoo.

"Cookie was an animal that zoo-goers enjoyed watching. She will be remembered by zoo visitors and staff alike," the statement said.

In 2008, the lioness overcame a significant health problem; the animal had a condition that caused fluid to accumulate in a sac around her heart; veterinarians operated and Cookie made a full recovery.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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