Smokey, an 11-year-old sea lion who had entertained spectators at the Buffalo Zoo since 2007, died of a respiratory ailment Saturday.

The animal had been under treatment for heavy coughing for less than a month and was in a holding area out of public view when he expired, the zoo said.

A preliminary necropsy indicated “severe terminal respiratory disease characterized by large abscess lesions throughout his lungs.”

Respiratory illnesses of many types are common in seals and sea lions, according to zoo veterinarian Kurt Volle, who said Smokey died despite aggressive efforts to save him.

There was no evidence that frigid winter temperatures played a role, Volle said, adding that sea lions, which range as far north as Vancouver on the Pacific coast, are used to cold air and water.

Sea Lion Cove, a $5 million exhibit that has been a popular attraction since it opened five years ago, was designed to resemble the rocky cliffs and inlets of Northern California’s Monterey Peninsula.

Smokey was born at Sea World Orlando in 1998 and had lived at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium before coming to Buffalo in April 2007. He was popular with zoo personnel and visitors as he cavorted with fellow males Hocus and Pocus in their 160,000-gallon saltwater pool.

Hocus, now 11, and Pocus, 9, were also born at Sea World Orlando.

The sleek, highly social animals have a maximum life expectancy of 30 years.