TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has announced the passing of Cruz, a cherished 13-year-old mountain lion, who was humanely euthanized on Thursday, due to declining health.

Cruz had been facing age-related challenges such as arthritis and other medical issues. Despite efforts to maintain his comfort, the museum's veterinary and animal care teams determined there were no reasonable options left.

"It has been an honor for our team to care for Cruz during his time at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and a privilege watching him grow up here," Shawnee Riplog-Peterson, Curator of Mammalogy and Ornithology, said.

Cruz joined the Desert Museum in 2013 as a rescue from San Jose, California, after being found malnourished, according to a press release. He was nursed back to h

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