ALPINE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- With a heavy heart, Lions Tigers & Bears, a San Diego animal sanctuary located in Alpine, is mourning the loss of their beloved White Lion, Lufuno, or Louie for short, according to a press release from the sanctuary on Wednesday.

After eight years under the care of the sanctuary, Louie was humanely laid to rest Wednesday morning after experiencing age-related health issues in recent years, such as chronic arthritis, extreme back pain and increasing immobility. He was born on Jan. 21, 2005.

The name Lufuno translates to "good to love" in Swahili, which was fitting for Louie, considering his background, a true testament to resilience and courage.

In April 2017, Louie and two other lions (Zulu and Arusha) were rescued after their private trainer, who used the

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