AOL is reporting that Leo the lion, the big cat who stole hearts around the world, has sadly passed away.

Acxording to a AOL a representative for Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, Georgia, took to Facebook recently to share the devastating news Leo was a part of a famous trio of unlikely animal friends, known as the BLT. Baloo the bear, Leo the lion and Shere Khan the tiger became best friends after they were rescued as cubs from a drug dealer’s house in 2001.

The animals had been living in deplorable conditions and were found clinging to each other for comfort.

Source: AOL