Zoo Boise lion has cancer, is undergoing treatment

Zoo Boise’s male lion, Jabari, was diagnosed with lymphoma and will not be outside in the public exhibit most days, the zoo announced Thursday morning.

The 14-year-old lion arrived to Boise in 2008. He “had not been his normal self and was recently examined by the zoo’s veterinarian,” zoo officials state in a press release.

Jabari is undergoing treatment. “His prognosis is unclear,” the press release notes.

The two female lions at Zoo Boise will be in the public exhibit as per usual, and will take part in the zoo’s holiday event Claus ‘n Paw on Saturday. The zoo will be open that day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and all the animals will receive holiday gifts. The two female lions will still receive their presents at 10:30 a.m., but Jabari will not be out that day, according to the release.

Zoo Boise officials will provide more updates about Jabari’s condition as they get more information.

This story was originally published December 1, 2016 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Zoo Boise lion has cancer, is undergoing treatment."