Boboo, an 8-year-old African male lion, has been euthanized after Phoenix Zoo veterinarians found an aggressive form of cancer.

Zoo officials announced Boboo’s death Saturday, saying veterinarians found cancer in both kidneys and spleen.

“It is with extreme sadness we share the news that our eight-year-old African male lion, Boboo, was humanely euthanized. After initial examination and exploratory surgery, our veterinary team found an aggressive form of cancer involving both kidneys and the spleen,” Phoenix Zoo officials stated.

During an annual exam last month, Boboo showed no signs of illness, according to a Facebook posting by the zoo.

Boboo came to Phoenix from the Columbus Zoo in 2019 as a 3-year-old.

“He was well loved by his keepers, zoo staff and guests, and the zoo will certainly be quieter without his roars and calls,” the post stated.

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

“Zuri has been an excellent first-time mom, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

It was the first litter sired by Boboo.

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