Hubert and Kalisa, an elderly lion couple, were euthanized together so neither of them would have to live without each other.
The soulmates lived at the Los Angeles Zoo together.
They were both put to sleep after 6 years of being completely inseparable from one another.
Lions that live in the zoo are expected to live on an average of around 15 to 17 years.
The pair that we are talking about was 21.
The big cats were declining in health and had started to experience age-related problems, which were affecting the quality of their lives.
It is reported that Hubert was born in Chicago, at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Kalisa came from Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo.
They met for the first time when they were transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo in 2014.
Beth Schaefer, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Zoo, said:
These lions were charismatic both together as partners and separately, but they were hardly ever apart from one another. Their undivided attention was always on the other as they rested together, cuddled and nuzzled often. These affectionate companions came to the LA Zoo six years ago, and they quickly charmed themselves into our hearts as we observed their magnificent beauty and unique bond. It was often said, you don’t see Kalisa without Hubert being close by. So, while it is truly heart-wrenching that we had to say goodbye to this iconic pair, we can take comfort in knowing they left together. These lions will remain a positive part of our history, and they will be greatly missed.
Denise Verret, the CEO and the director of the zoo, said that the couple is an iconic part of their zoo.
The staff and guests of the zoo have been touched by their story, said Verret.
Alisa Behar, an animal curator at the Los Angeles Zoo, said that Hubert and Kalisa’s deaths is a very hard loss for the zoo and its community.
She said:
In the early mornings, staff would routinely hear Hubert’s waking roars, and I will personally miss hearing them on my walks around the grounds. You cannot think of Hubert without thinking of his companion, Kalisa; they’ve been an inseparable couple for years.
Rest in paradise Hubert and Kalisa, you will remain inseparable forever.