Safari park mourns loss of 'much-loved' lionesses

6 hours ago

Holly NicholsBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

News image — Cousins Abi, 20, and Tullulah, 22 were born at Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park Two lionesses, Abi and Tullulah, are resting close together on a patch of grass, their bodies touching as they lie in the sun. They are both a warm tan or sandy brown, the typical colouring of African lions. — Cousins Abi, 20, and Tullulah, 22 were born at Woburn Safari Park

Two elderly African lionesses at a safari park have been put down due to age‑related health conditions.

Woburn Safari Park, in Bedfordshire, said cousins Abi, 20, and Tullulah, 22, were "peacefully put to sleep" on 16 April, following veterinary assessment.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the park said the decision had been made to euthanise the "much-loved" lionesses, who were both experiencing age-related mobility decline that had begun to affect their quality of life.

Ben Davies, head of carnivores at the park, said: "They were remarkable lionesses with big personalities – sometimes cheeky, always memorable – and they will be greatly missed by the whole team."

Woburn Safari Park Two lionesses, Abi and Tullulah, lie on green grass, resting a short distance apart. Abi is in the foreground, stretched out and facing forward, while Tullulah lies behind her with head raised. They are both a warm tan or sandy brown, the typical colouring of African lions, and there are trees in the background. — The elderly lionesses, Abi and Tullulah, were described as "remarkable"

The pair were born at the park and had lived their entire lives in the 32-acre (13-hectare) lion reserve there.

According to the park, Tullulah was one of the oldest African lionesses living in a European Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA) zoo.

It added that the "scale and natural layout of the reserve have historically supported the pride's long‑term health, fitness and natural behaviours."

Davies said: "Our keepers have cared for them [the lionesses] their entire lives and will always remember the moments and memories they gave us."

Woburn Safari Park Two lionesses, Abi and Tullulah, lie close together on green grass, both resting with eyes closed. Their heads are turned slightly toward each other, with small yellow flowers and patches of earth scattered around them. — The pair lived their entire lives at the park

The park told the BBC that in recent months keepers observed "progressive mobility issues in both lionesses, consistent with advanced age" and said "it became clear that their mobility and comfort could no longer be maintained to an acceptable welfare standard."

Abi and Tullulah were described as "cherished members of the pride" who were known for "their close bond and their calm, steady nature".

The park added that the loss of the two lionesses "is felt deeply by the teams who cared for them" and thanked the public for keeping the park keepers and the pride in their thoughts "at this difficult time".

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