POWELL, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio says Tomo, the zoo’s 15-year-old male African lion, has died.
PHOTO | COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM FACEBOOK
Zoo officials said in a release that Tomo was euthanized Wednesday and that the veterinary staff had been treating him for age-related issues.
The lion came to the Columbus Zoo in 2006 from the San Diego Zoo as part of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ African Lion Species Survival Plan. He fathered three litters while in Ohio and was a grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of five.
African lions were once common throughout Africa, but their population has decreased dramatically over the last two decades because of the loss of habitat and indiscriminate killing.
ZOO STATEMENT:
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium team is honoring the memory of beloved Tomo, the African lion, who died this morning at the age of 15. He was being treated by our veterinary staff for age-related issues, but unfortunately his quality of life recently declined rapidly and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
Tomo came to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2006 from the San Diego Zoo as part of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) African Lion Species Survival Plan® (SSP). Since his arrival in Central Ohio, Tomo fathered three litters, including the most recent two litters that totaled six surviving cubs born in 2015. Tomo was also a grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of five. Tomo was a favorite of Zoo guests, volunteers and staff and was known for his signature “blep,” which is when he would stick out his tongue while he relaxed.The African lion population has decreased dramatically over the past two decades and they are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species™ with approximatly 23,000-39,000 individuals left in their native range. Within the last five years alone, the Columbus Zoo has provided approximately $130,000 in support of African lion conservation projects working in lions’ native ranges to result in the co-existence of people and wildlife.We welcome you to share your favorite photos of Tomo in the comments. He will be greatly missed.