The community that supported Phoenix Zoo is experiencing a somber moment as they say goodbye to one of its most cherished residents. Boboo, the eight-year-old African male lion, has succumbed to an aggressive form of cancer. He was euthanized on Friday, leaving behind a legacy in the form of his recent offspring.

Despite having received a clean bill of health during his annual exam in May, Boboo's condition rapidly deteriorated, exhibiting a severe loss of appetite and weight, as detailed in a statement obtained by AZFamily.com. Feeling lethargic and not responding to treatments, the beloved lion's plight took a hard turn when veterinarians discovered cancer invading his kidneys and spleen.

Zoo staff, who noticed Boboo's failing health over the past weeks, faced a tough decision. With Boboo's quality of life rapidly declining, euthanizing him was considered the most humane course of action. "Boboo was loved by his keepers, Zoo staff, members and guests. The Zoo will definitely be quieter without his familiar roars and calls. We are comforted that he became a part of his own pride this year and his legacy will live on," Phoenix Zoo stated in the emotions filled with a press release, reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.

Amid the sadness, Zuri, the zoo's female lion, and her two cubs carry on Boboo's genetic line. Having been bred successfully with Boboo before his passing, Zuri and the cubs are bonding well in an off-exhibit den, moving along their milestones, according to the zookeepers. Visitors look forward to a debut in late summer or early fall when the mother and cubs will emerge to join the habitat at Predator Passage.