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“PRIDE OF PEORIA”
On January 5, 2006, Boomer, Glen Oak Zoo's most admired and beloved resident was laid to rest al Springdale's Whispering Woods Pet Cemetery.
Boomer had suffered ill health over the last few years and had been diagnosed with liver cancer. Glen Oak 7oo had been his home for nearly 20 years. Boomer is survived by his long-time friend, Leah.
During his life at the zoo. Boomer was visited by just under 2 million people.
A special memorial exhibit to Boomer is also located inside the main zoo building, across from the meerkats, with pictures ranging from his first days at the zoo as a 9-monrh-old cub, to stalking his visitors as they watched him through the inch-thick viewing glass outside his habitat.
Memorial donations are being accepted by the Peoria Zoological Society. All funds will be used for the lion exhibit in the "Africa!" section of the new Peoria zoo.
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