Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Last Thursday, the Los Angeles Zoo announced that animal care and health staff had made the difficult decision to put two of their lions to sleep at the same time. 21-year-old soulmates Hubert and Kalisa were euthanized “due to their declining health and age-related illnesses that had diminished their quality of life.”

Hubert was born in Chicago, at Lincoln Park Zoo, and Kalisa came from Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. They met after they were transferred to Los Angeles Zoo in 2014. Since then, they had been completely inseparable from one another.

More info: lazoo.org | Facebook | Instagram

Image credits: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Image credits: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

LA Zoo spokesperson Beth Schaefer said Hubert and Kalisa had a clear and strong bond with each other that was undeniable by guests and staff alike. “These lions were charismatic both together as partners and separately, but they were hardly ever apart from one another,” Schaefer told Bored Panda in a statement.

Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Image credits: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Image credits: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

According to Schaefer, the couple’s undivided attention was always on the other as they rested together, cuddled, and nuzzled often.

“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 show of support from our guests.”

Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Image credits: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Image credits: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Lions that live in captivity make often make it to the age of 20-25 years, while the life expectancy of a lion living in the wild is about 12-16 years of age.

There are multiple reasons for this disparity.

For example, they don’t have to watch out for predators while spending their days in captivity. While the biggest predator to lions is people, these majestic animals also have to watch out for cheetahs and hyenas, who can steal their food.

Also, lions don’t have access to medical care when they’re out in the wild. If they cut or break their paw, they will end up suffering. Lions in zoos, on the other hand, will get immediate medical attention if anything happens to them.

Another factor is environmental issues. Lions in the wild depend solely on nature for their well-being. But if there’s a drought, there won’t be water or food sources available for them. Captive lions, however, don’t have to deal with these problems as their living space will always remain the same and zookeepers will give them plenty of food and water.

Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Image credits: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Here’s what people said about the majestic couple

Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone

Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

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What do you think ?

POST

Raine Soo 4 years ago

Rest together in peace, Hubert and Kalisa. Damn it, I am starting to tear up...

21points

Dorothy Parker 4 years ago

Such beautiful lions, even in advanced years. While the LA Zoo is a fine zoo, I wish they could have roamed in an environment like Lion Country Safari. Nos their spirits roam free.

20points

NurdanLope 4 years ago (edited)

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hobbitly 4 years ago

A zoo is the only place where all the prisoners are innocent :(

13points

littlesaresare 4 years ago

Don't forget factory farms, fur farms, labs, animal circuses...

13points

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Eulalie Grace 4 years ago (edited)

All animals are innocent in the wild, too. But I get what you're saying. Unfortunately, because of human greed and arrogance, some of the better zoos have become like sanctuaries against poaching, habitat loss, and other dangers posed by us. The better zoos are really trying to keep species from extinction by making sure there's no inbreeding. It's a no-win situation. Too many people and not enough habitat for pretty much every other living thing on Earth. This is coming from a former four year old who's dad was asked to remove her because her crying was disturbing the other visitors. I - TO THIS DAY - swear the LION was sad and crying and calling to his friends to come rescue him and take him home. I still cry - so get you 100% Do what YOU can to make a difference 💗

3points

Dónal Ó Murchadha 4 years ago

And serving an actual life sentence... same goes for any offspring too.

2points

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Raine Soo 4 years ago

Rest together in peace, Hubert and Kalisa. Damn it, I am starting to tear up...

21points

Dorothy Parker 4 years ago

Such beautiful lions, even in advanced years. While the LA Zoo is a fine zoo, I wish they could have roamed in an environment like Lion Country Safari. Nos their spirits roam free.

20points