An 8-year-old African lion at the Como Zoo and Conservatory is receiving hospice care after being diagnosed earlier this year with an untreatable tumor in his nasal sinuses, zoo officials announced.
Mumford’s condition has not come with a clear timeline, zoo officials said. He still has good days and continues to spend time with his companion, a lioness named Maji. For now, he remains where he has lived since 2019, surrounded by familiar routines and the keepers who care for him.
After consulting specialists and holding extensive conversations with their veterinary team, zoo officials said they made the decision to shift away from treatment and instead focus on Mumford’s comfort and quality of life.
“Mumford is now receiving hospice care,” the zoo wrote in a message shared on Instagram. His keepers are with him every day, ensuring he is comfortable and able to continue what they called his favorite “Mumford things” — including time alongside Maji.
Como Zoo last lost a lion in 2019, when Mufasa, a 17-year-old African lion, was euthanized after several weeks of complications from a blood disorder.
The update struck an emotional chord with the Como community, many of whom have watched Mumford grow into one of the zoo’s most recognizable residents. Zoo officials acknowledged the weight of the moment, writing that caring for animals brings both joy and heartbreak.
They encouraged visitors to come see Mumford if they are able, to keep him in their thoughts, and to celebrate the life of a lion who has left a lasting mark on the people who care for him — and on the thousands who have paused at his habitat over the years.
