Shocking: Tobias, Leader Of Denver Zoo’s African Lion Pride, Was Euthanized

Toby, affectionately known as Toby, arrived at the Denver Zoo from the Buffalo Zoo at the age of 3 as part of a species survival plan to join Denver’s pride and preserve African lions.

In his time at the zoo, Toby welcomed three cubs into the world: Tatu in July 2019, followed by Oskar and Araali in April 2020.

According to one of the zoo's caregivers, Kelsey, Toby had much to learn when he first met the zoo's female lions, but he quickly found his place and helped the lion pride flourish.

The Denver Zoo said the cubs “stole the hearts of everyone who laid eyes on them.” Toby was the ideal lion father, providing devoted care to his offspring.

“Tobias was a very sweet lion who found joy in the simple things. He loved to play with his enrichment and sleep on his heated rocks while avoiding sneak attacks from Araali,” Karli, another caretaker, shared.

Toby's caretakers marveled at his patience as a father, allowing his cubs to climb on him and bite his fluffy mane and tail. He also permitted them to remain with him longer than most male lions would.

Toby taught his cubs how to be a lion, and he played with them and cuddles them enjoyably.

“When he was excited about something he would bounce towards it and looked so silly. He was always watchful and looking for what was down in the moat of his yards. We were never sure what he liked watching down there, but it always made me smile to see him checking it out,” caretaker Katelyn shared.

The zoo shared that his health declined notably this week. The Veterinary Medicine team at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital found that, in addition to his chronic health conditions, he had developed a severe infection that had spread to his lungs and bones. This would have led to a significantly diminished quality of life.

With heavy hearts, the Animal Care Specialists and Veterinary Medicine team made the difficult choice of saying a final farewell to Toby. In his last minutes of life, Toby was surrounded by those who had cared for and loved him.

“Our Animal Care Specialists and Veterinary Medicine team made the difficult decision to euthanize Tobias to relieve any suffering given the poor prognosis,” a post on the Denver Zoo’s Facebook page stated.

A postmortem examination will be conducted by the Veterinary Medicine team to gain a deeper understanding of Toby's overall condition.

The zoo said that the rest of the lion pride remains in good health, and the zoo's animal care specialists will continue to closely monitor their well-being.