Two endangered Asiatic lions have found new homes after their zoo was permanently closed, forcing them to move across the country.
Sahee and Sonika have been welcomed to a new family at Big Cat Sanctuary in Ashford, Kent.
The adorable couple, both seven years old, are the first Asiatic lions ever to live in The Big Cat Sanctuary, one of the few collections to house both African and Asiatic lions.
They arrived in Kent on March 3 from Bristol Zoo, which closed to the public last September after 186 years.
Sahee and Sonika, both aged seven, have been living at Bristol Zoo since 2019.
The powerful creatures were trained in crates to prepare them for the move, which consisted of driving them from one end of the country to the other on a journey of three and a half hours.
Sahee (pictured) and Sonika have been welcomed into a new family at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Ashford, Kent
The Asiatic lion is part of a population that only survives in the wild in India. Since the early 20th century, its range has been limited to the Gir National Park and surrounding areas in the Indian state of Gujarat.
But this population has grown in recent years and is now heavily protected.
Historically, their numbers are said to have dwindled to just a few dozen by the 1880s. Asiatic lions are listed as Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List, of which only an estimated 600 remain in the wild.
Sonika and Sahee’s arrival is part of the Project Lion initiative, which includes renovating the sanctuary’s lion habitats and supporting efforts to conserve African and Asiatic lions in the wild.
Briony Smith, Curator of The Big Cat Sanctuary, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sahee and Sonika to our sanctuary.
Sahee and Sonika (pictured), both aged seven, lived at Bristol Zoo from 2019 until it closed last September
Briony Smith, Curator of The Big Cat Sanctuary, said: “Sahee is already exploring his new surroundings.”
The powerful creatures, trained in crates to prepare for the move, traveled from one end of the country to the other, embarking on a journey of three and a half hours.
“Sahee is already exploring his new surroundings and Sonika is gaining more confidence by the day.
“Our team strives to provide them with the highest standard of care and we look forward to seeing them thrive in their new home.”
Al Toyne, team leader for mammals at Bristol Zoological Society, which closed Bristol Zoo, said: “Asiatic lions are not a species we currently work with in the wild, so a new home has been carefully chosen for Sahee and Sonika to to look at.” to ensure the highest quality. Care can continue for both.
“They will be missed and I’m sure many people who previously visited them at Bristol Zoo Gardens will be delighted to visit them in their new home which is equipped with peaceful dens outside the show, heated rocks to rest on and more lawn. will be snooping around.’
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
