Bye Bye Mumford – Beloved Como Zoo Resident Lion Euthanized

It's always a sad day when you have to put down a pet.  Usually that is referring to a cat or dog or some other type of domestic animal.  But even when there is an animal at the zoo that's been there for a significant amount of time, those animals become pets to the animal care-takers at the zoo as well as the general public becoming very attached to the animals you are used to seeing.

MUMFORD WAS A BELOVED LION AT THE COMO ZOO FOR YEARS

There was a resident Lion at the Como Zoo for the last 10 years.  His name was Mumford.

Mumford was born on January 14, 2016, at Pueblo Zoo in Colorado, where he was deeply loved before arriving at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on May 17, 2019. From the moment he arrived in Saint Paul, Mumford became a favorite among guests, volunteers, and staff. With his handsome mane, regal presence, calm confidence, and unforgettable roar, he quickly captured hearts and became one of Como’s most admired animal residents.

People just loved coming to the zoo to see their favorite lion. He would lie around, basking in the sun and just seemed to enjoy life.

HE EVEN HAD AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT LOG

You know how some people have a support animal?  Mumford apparently had a comfort log.  He would take it everywhere with him.  At one point he gnawed the thing until it snapped in two.  But now he had two support logs instead of just one.

It is with heavy hearts that Como Park Zoo & Conservatory shares the passing of Mumford, our beloved male African lion, who was peacefully euthanized in the care of his animal care team on Friday, April 24, 2026. He was 10 years old.  

RECENTLY MUMFORD HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN INCURABLE DISEASE

A while ago Mumford had been diagnosed with an incurable tumor in his nasal sinuses and was put into hospice care in December.  I had no idea they put animals into hospice care like they do for humans.  Now I just learned something.  The Como Zoo zookeepers tried to keep Mumford as comfortable as possible until the time came when they knew that his quality of life had declined enough that they knew it was time to say Good-bye to Mumford.

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