HONOLULU -- One of the Honolulu Zoo's longtime residents, Apollo an African lion, was euthanized because of deteriorating health, according to city officials.

The nearly 22-year-old lion was put to sleep on Tuesday morning.

The lion was suffering from kidney failure, arthritis, and extreme weakness from muscle atrophy, zoo officials said.

City officials said that Apollo was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1985. He arrived at the zoo the following year.

"Apollo thrilled many visitors, as well as residents in the neighborhood, by declaring his territory with mighty roars every morning and evening. He'll be missed by everyone, but most of all by the zookeepers who cared for him throughout the years," Honolulu Zoo Director Ken Redman said in a written statement.

Two female lions, twin sisters Ethel Louise and Samantha, lived with Apollo. They are both 21.

Redman said that the zoo will begin searching for a young lion to add to its population.