COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the death of Tomo, the African Lion.
Zoo officials confirmed the cat was humanely euthanized at age 15 Wednesday, after his quality of life had diminished rapidly, and he had been receiving treatment for age-related issues.
Tomo came to the zoo in 2006 from the San Diego Zoo, and fathered three different sets of cubs. He was the grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of five.
Last March, Tomo was the first cat in the zoo to receive a CAT scan in the facility's new computerized tomography scanner.
"He was a favorite among Zoo staff, as well as Zoo guests, and will be greatly missed,” said Columbus Zoo President and CEO Tom Stalf.
(photo courtesy Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)