Bandit, a California sea lion who stole the show at the Bronx Zoo with his poolside personality, has died.
The 26-year-old, 700-pound mammal had for several years been on medication for arthritis, but recently his condition deteriorated.
The beloved Bandit was “obviously in pain” and was euthanized Tuesday, zoo spokeswoman Alison Power said yesterday.
“Everyone here is very sad,” she said. “Everyone knew Bandit. He was a character. He sort of ruled the roost.”
Bandit, who was about 2 years old when he first came to the zoo, grew up to become the “beachmaster” at the Sea Lion pool – the dominant macho male with a harem of females and younger offspring.
He fathered eight pups over the years, and as a senior citizen found swimming the perfect physical therapy.
“Recently, his appetite had gone down, he was lethargic, and over the past five days was off his feed, and obviously in pain,” said Power.
Necropsy results showed that Bandit suffered from “severe degenerative joint disease,” Power said.
California sea lions have a life span of up to 30 years, with females living longer than males.