Sad news from Zoo Boise today as they announced the passing of their 19-year-old lion, Obadiah. Obadiah's health had taken a turn for the worse over the past week. After treatment from the staff at Zoo Boise, the veterinarian staff made the decision to euthanize her.

 

Zoo Boise, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, is saddened to announce that Obadiah, the zoo’s 19-year-old female...

Posted by Zoo Boise on Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Obadiah came to Zoo Boise in 2008 with her sister, Mudiwa. Obadiah and Mudiwa were the first lions at the zoo and have become quite the attraction ever since. In part, it was because of the success of Obadiah and her sister's arrival that Zoo Boise's Conservation Fund has supported the Gorongosa Lion Project. Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique was destroyed during 25 years of war in the area. Our zoo has helped generate millions of dollars towards rebuilding the park and increasing the animal populations there.

According to Zoo Boise's Facebook post, the life expectancy for a lion in captivity is 17 years. Obadiah's sister Mudiwa is now 20, and Revan, a male lion, is seven.

One of the best ways to celebrate Obadiah is to visit Zoo Boise's 2.5-acre Gorongosa National Park Exhibit. The exhibit features more than 20 species and opened in July of 2019. Some of the most unique and exciting animals in the zoo's collection can be found in this area. The construction is beautiful. While you're there, you can have a cup of coffee from Our Gorongosa featuring Gorongosa Green from the Gorongosa National Park.

While we are sad to see the passing of such a majestic animal, the legacy of her arrival will live on in Zoo Boise's conservation efforts in Africa and the Treasure Valley.

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