Death leaves Dallas Zoo lionlessBy JOANNA CATTANACH / The Dallas Morning NewsDALLAS, Texas — Boris, the Dallas Zoo's only lion, died Wednesday, zoo officials said. The majestic 415-pound African lion had shown signs of discomfort over the last week, the zoo said, and X-rays showed multiple growths in his chest cavity.
The veterinary staff sedated the lion and spotted what was believed to be a large cancerous mass pressing against his stomach and lungs. The results of a necropsy – the animal equivalent of an autopsy – will determine the official cause of death.
Zoo officials said that the mass inhibited Boris' breathing and that he was unable to recover from the sedation. He died in the early afternoon.