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.

Many in our community may remember that Como Park Zoo & Conservatory shared in December that Mumford had been diagnosed with an untreatable tumor within his nasal sinuses and had entered hospice care. Since that time, his dedicated care team remained focused on providing comfort, dignity, and the best possible quality of life. When his condition declined, the compassionate decision was made to say goodbye peacefully, surrounded by the people who knew and loved him most.

A Life That Captured Hearts

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.

Guests often found Mumford basking in the sunshine on his favorite perch, surveying his habitat, enjoying enrichment, or spending quiet time alongside his companion, Maji. Whether resting in the shade or announcing himself with a thunderous roar, Mumford had a way of making every visit memorable.

The Quirky Side of Mumford

Those who cared for Mumford also knew his playful and endearing side. One favorite memory came from Mumford’s zookeeper Caitlin, who shared this story about Mumford and one of his most treasured possessions:

“Mumford and his one true love, his comfort log. Mumford had a log, several feet long, that he would carry with him around the exhibit. He would even bring it into holdings, banging away as he tried to shove it through the doorways. And if we dared to get too close, Mumford would have words to say to us. He would growl at us, cover the log, and would protect it with his life.

Slowly but surely, he would gnaw away at its center, until one day it snapped in two. At first, it seemed like the end of an era and that the days of comfort log were behind us. But instead, his love remained just as strong as ever. He continued to carry the log with him wherever he went but now instead of 1 log, he had 2.

Such an adorable and quirky side of Mumford that many of us can relate to.”

Stories like this reminded everyone who knew him that behind Mumford’s majestic presence was a lion full of personality, preferences, and charm.

A Trusted Ambassador for Lions

Throughout his time at Como, Mumford helped inspire countless visitors to appreciate lions and learn more about the challenges they face in the wild. Through daily connections with guests, he served as an ambassador for his species and helped foster a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.

Words from Those Who Knew Him Best

“Mumford had a wonderfully quirky personality that made him impossible not to love,” said Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar. “He could be a bit of a goofball, sometimes tripping on his morning walk over and then acting like nothing happened. He would hyper-focus on favorite enrichment for days or even months, especially his beloved comfort log. He was always vocal when food was involved, and when he chose to roar, everyone noticed. He even let Maji push him off his favorite bench or rock. We thought we might be saying goodbye in December, so having these last four months with him was an extra gift.”

“Mumford inspired awe in so many people,” said Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Director Erica Prosser. “He represented the power and majesty of lions, but he also created moments of connection and wonder for guests of all ages. He will be deeply missed by our staff, volunteers, and the countless visitors who loved him.”

Moving Forward

Maji remains at Como and is being closely monitored by her care team during this transition.

Caring for animals brings both great joy and deep heartbreak. While we mourn Mumford’s passing, we are also filled with gratitude for the years we were able to know and care for him. His presence made Como a more special place, and his memory will remain with all of us.

We invite our community to join us in remembering Mumford and to keep his care team in their thoughts during this difficult time.

Credit all photos and video to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory