Izu was a magnificent lion. He resided at San Diego Safari Park from 2004 until his passing this month (May, 2022). He was the leader of his pride and he was dad to the cutest cubs ever. His roar could be heard throughout the park and somehow his voice was comforting whenever I heard it. Photographing Izu was an honor and completely fun. All the lions there were incredibly photogenic and I always wondered if they knew it! Izu was a favorite among Safari Park regulars. He was definitely a favorite of mine, that's for sure. I miss him and yet, to have visited him as much as I did was pretty darn special. Take care, Izu.