Every year, millions of people flock to zoos to see animals they would otherwise never encounter. One of the most popular attractions is the lions. Unless you go on an African Safari you’d never have a chance to witness how these majestic animals behave and just how incredible they are.
Caring for zoo animals
Experienced zookeepers have to make some really tough decisions. Sometimes, people don’t agree while other times they do. But the experts always have one goal — to do what’s best for the animals under their care.
Educated decisions
Whether it’s to send an animal to a different zoo or euthanize one, the decision isn’t easy. Before doing anything, they consult with a lot of people who specialize in the care of the type of animal involved. Recently, that’s what the zookeepers at the Los Angeles Zoo had to do.
Hubert and Kalisa
These two lions, one male, and the other female were inseparable. While Herbert was born at the LA Zoo, Kalisa began her life at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. But when she was moved to Los Angeles in 2014, she and Herbert fell in love.
Getting up in age
By the time 2020 rolled around, both lions were now 21 years old. Considering that most of them only live between 15 and 17 while in captivity, they were seniors. Unfortunately, they were both experiencing health problems due to their age.
A sad but necessary decision
After weighing all of their options, a team of experts determined the only humane thing was to euthanize Herbert. But knowing that Kalisa would die soon, especially after having her partner taken away, they determined that she too should be euthanized.
Speaking out
Since some people didn’t understand or agree with the zoo’s decision, Beth Schaefer, a spokesperson for the LA Zoo, had this to say. “Herbert and Kalisa had a clear and strong bond with each other that was undeniable by guests and staff alike.”
She had more to say
Schaefer continued, “These lions were charismatic both together as partners and separately but they were hardly ever apart from one another.” For those questioning the zoo’s choice to euthanize them at the same time, this is when the layperson has to trust the experts.
Comments flooded in
After learning of the euthanasia, a lot of people voiced support. One individual posted, “What amazing animal husbandry. Well done to the keepers for the decision. Compassion plus. Another said, “How bittersweet but you’ll both be together forever.”
Touching memorials
The staff at the LA Zoo were touched by the outpouring of love. Schaefer stated, “We have been touched by the community who have shared their fond memories of Hubert and Kalisa with us on social media. The pair’s love for one another created a deeper connection with our guests and incredible empathy, which we have seen through the outpouring of support from our guests.”
Two exceptional lives
It’s important to remember that most lions in zoos don’t live as long as Hubert and Kalisa did. That goes to show just how great the staff was with both of them. The zoo workers deserve a lot of credit for providing these magnificent animals with so much love and care.
Yes, this decision was hard but it was done for all the right reasons. You can visit the zoo’s website to see amazing photos of Hubert and Kalisa, as well as all the other incredible animals the staff gives give their full attention to.
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Source: Bored Panda, Facebook
