A couple of old African lions, bot 21 years of age, were euthanized at the same time at the LA Zoo this week, after spending six years together.
Kalisa and Hubert lived longer than an average zoo lion, which is between 14 to 17 years. However, they had to be put down as they began developing issues related to age that resulted in a low quality of life, an LA Zoo spokesperson said.
Hubert was born at Chicago’s Lincon Park Zoo and Kalisa was born at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. They met for the first time in 2014 at the LA Zoo and became close friends in no time. Ever since they’ve been inseparable.
Beth Schaefer, the zoo’s spokesperson, said the two lions were incredibly charismatic and they always stuck together.
“Their undivided attention was always on the other as they rested together, cuddled and nuzzled often,” she told Los Angeles Times.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of our African lion pair, Hubert and Kalisa. Animal care and health staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the 21-year-old lions today due to their declining health and age-related illnesses that had diminished their quality of life,” LA Zoo posted on Facebook.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of our African lion pair, Hubert and Kalisa. Animal care and health…
Posted by Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Thursday, July 30, 2020
Kasia and Hubert were loved by staff and guests of the Zoo alike, and they were well-known for cuddling together, according to the post.
CEO and zoo director Denise Verret said in a statement that the workers and guests were touched by the pair’s ‘loyal companionship’.
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