FORKED RIVER – After calling Popcorn Park Zoo its home for 10 years, the beloved lion Simba has sadly passed away.
Simba first arrived to the zoo from Alabama in 2014. Along with three other big cats, he came to the zoo after its former owner fell ill and could no longer care for them.
Park employees said Simba arrived severely underweight, but was able to slowly gain weight and regained his health.
“Simba was very personable and when we’d walk by, he’d always get up to greet us. Simba’s roar every morning meant something special to all of us and could be heard for miles around. It meant so much to us to know we were helping him and that he was giving us that love back – which he did tenfold,” said John Bergmann, Executive Director of Popcorn Park.
Simba lived a very long and full life, and had left a lasting legacy at Popcorn Park.
“Though we miss him dearly, we are honored to have provided him with a new life and sanctuary for 10 wonderful years,” Popcorn Park Animal Refuge said in a statement.
