Roaring memories echo in this very spot where we meet Adelor The Lion. This isn’t just any lion statue. It’s a bronze memorial to a beloved Lincoln Park Zoo resident.
Adelor lived at the zoo for most of his 18 years. When he died in 2012, donor Zina L. Berman commissioned this sculpture. Jeffrey L. Varilla and Anna Koh Varilla created this lifelike figure. The sculpture was unveiled on June 22, 2013.
The artists usually sculpted humans. This was their first animal sculpture. They wanted to capture Adelor’s personality. They aimed to treat him with the same dignity as a human subject. Since Adelor had died, they used photos and DVDs. Zookeepers and zoo staff provided these materials. They also studied lion anatomy. They visited the zoo and the Field Museum of Natural History. Anatomy books and documentaries helped too.
Sculpting Adelor’s mane was a challenge. The statue shows Adelor in a relaxed pose. He looks alert as if something caught his attention. The pose invites interaction. People often take photos here.
The statue sits on a stone base. It resembles a natural rock outcropping. From here, Adelor looks like he’s watching his territory. He’s monitoring his pride.
Adelor was a popular lion. He had a magnificent mane and a commanding roar. He connected with people. One volunteer played a “high five” game with him. They did this through the glass barrier.
The 1200-pound statue captures Adelor’s features. Look closely. You might see a cleft chin and faint scars on his nose. His intense glare is also there.
In 2004, Adelor and another lion attacked a zookeeper. The zookeeper, Nancy DeFiesta, was injured but she didn’t blame the lions. She said they were just acting naturally. The zoo emphasizes that this event is not the focus of the memorial.
The Adelor The Lion statue stands at the zoo’s east entrance. Children often line up to have their pictures taken with it. Perhaps one day, Adelor will have a bronze pride. A lioness and cubs could join him. This statue ensures Adelor’s legacy lives on. He remains a memorable part of the Lincoln Park Zoo.