We're very sad to have found out earlier today that Kalinga, the 11 year old Asiatic Lioness, passed away on January 31st due to an unknown illness. She was a very lively and energetic lioness who loved Ashok, just as much as she loved her food, and we saw her many times during our visits. It's a big loss to Chessington, seeing as they haven't had luck on the Asiatic Lion breeding programme due to Ashok's genetic defects. We hope she rests in peace CB's Rowe
Thanks for the update - as you say, a big loss for Chessington but hopefully this will be the start of better times for them with the arrival of potential breeding stock in the not too distant future....
Lion seems distressed We visited Chessington today and the male lion seems really depressed, we have been several times before Kalinga passed, but this time he was pacing and roaring loudly just generally unsettled, it was really sad to see, I really hope they find him a new mate soon or provide some other stimulation for him.
Typical behaviour for a Lion in this situation. They will find a new female a.s.a.p. no doubt, but it will take time to organise. There's not a lot they can do in the meantime for him.
