Phoenix Zoo announces death of lion Boboo

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Boboo, an 8-year-old male African lion, was euthanized after veterinarians at the Phoenix Zoo discovered an aggressive form of cancer.

Zoo management announced Boboo’s death on Saturday, saying veterinarians had diagnosed cancer in both kidneys and the spleen.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our eight-year-old African lion Boboo has been humanely euthanized. After initial examination and exploratory surgery, our veterinary team discovered an aggressive form of cancer that had affected both kidneys and the spleen,” Phoenix Zoo officials said.

According to a Facebook post from the zoo, Boboo showed no signs of illness during an annual checkup last month.

Boboo came to Phoenix from the Columbus Zoo in 2019 at the age of three.

“He was very popular with his keepers, zoo staff and guests and without his roaring and shouting the zoo will certainly be quieter,” the post said.

“This has been a time of great sadness but also great joy as Zuri and her two cubs are doing very well and their growth is exceeding expectations,” zoo officials added in the post.

“Zuri was a great first-time mom and we couldn’t be prouder.”

It was the first litter fathered by Boboo.

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