PITTSBORO, N.C. -- Carolina Tiger Rescue is mourning the loss of one of its beloved lions.

In a Facebook post, the center said Sheba overheated this past week. They said staff reacted quickly and were able to cool her down, but her liver and kidneys were unable to recover.

After working 24 hours to save her, they made the tough decision to let her go.

Sheba, 17 years old, was considered the matriarch of the pride of three from Texas. She's survived by lions Sebastian and Tarzan.