Memphis, TN – On Monday, the Memphis Zoo announced the death of a beloved, senior African lion who passed away shortly after surgery. The zoo said that Thabo died on August 7, 2025, at the age of 16½, during recovery after undergoing a procedure to remove a bladder stone that had been causing him “significant pain.”
The zoo acknowledged that proceeding with the surgery was a “calculated risk” given the lion’s age, but every effort was made to ensure he would survived to live out a pain-free life. In a public release, the zoo said:
As a senior lion, this was a calculated risk. Despite the best efforts of our skilled veterinary and keeper teams, Thabo stopped breathing during recovery, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Our staff performed heroically, and their grief mirrors that of everyone who knew and loved him.
Thabo had been delighting zoo visitors for 15 years. The zoo said, “Thabo embodied the spirit of the King of the Beasts. He was not fond of early mornings or rainy days but loved Bone Day enrichment, breezy afternoons, and sharing affectionate head bumps with his pride. His steady gaze and powerful presence inspired awe and sparked a love of lions in guests of all ages.”
Everyone who knew Thabo is grieving. The zoo has encouraged the public to share their own memories of the magnificent cat with them on social media. You can find the zoo’s Facebook page at this link.
Rest easy Thabo.
(Featured image via Memphis Zoo)
Thanks for reading, we appreciate you!
Please support us by visiting our design store on Bonfire!
