The queen of one of Longleat’s prides of lions has died, just months before her 21st birthday.
Jasira, one of the oldest lions in human care in the UK, died after a short illness earlier this month.
“Several of our lions have or are reaching this grand age, and whilst it is always sad when we lose an animal, particularly a stalwart like Jasira, we are very proud that she lived as long as she did as her age is testament to the care she received here,” said carnivore team manager Amy Waller. “In the wild, lions live to around 12 to 14 years of age.”
Longleat recently revealed a new pride was being created with the arrival of two female southern lions.
The naming of the new arrivals has been open to public vote with the winners due to be announced later this month.
