A Tiffy Taffy Highlight Story: Sometimes there are stories that are just too good, too beautiful, or too unbelievable to keep locked away. That’s why we scour the archives and bring some of them back to enjoy again. They may make you smile or shed a tear, but they’re always meant to add a little positivity to your day. This story is from August 2020.
An iconic love story came to an end in 2020, when an inseparable pair of lions had to be euthanized due to ill health. It was a sad day for the many that knew and cared for them.
Big cat couple Hubert and Kalisa made it to an astonishing 21 years of age and met when they were only cubs! Taking comfort in knowing they never had to live a day alone, fans mourned the loss of these icons.
“Hubert and Kalisa are an iconic part of the Los Angeles Zoo experience. Our staff and guests have been touched by their loyal companionship,” said CEO & Zoo Director Denise Verret.
Lion cubs that got the forever story we’ve all wished for
“These affectionate companions came to the Los Angeles Zoo six years ago, where they quickly charmed themselves into our hearts as we observed their magnificent beauty and unique bond.“ It was often said that you don’t see Kalisa without Hubert being close by.” added Verret.
“So, while it is truly heart-wrenching that we had to say goodbye to this iconic pair – take comfort in knowing they left together. These lions will remain a positive part of our history, and they will be greatly missed.” She continued.
“With an average life expectancy of about 17 years in Zoos – Hubert and Kalisa were considered elderly when they arrived in 2014. They became favorites among Los Angeles Zoo guests and staff, known for their frequent cuddles.” Verret said about her most memorable lion cubs.
“I commend our animal care and veterinary staff for the great care they’ve given this pair. A couple who lived longer than most lions do in human care and the wild.”
Destined to stay together
Becoming iconic in the 90’s, lion cubs Hubert was born at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo on February 7, 1999, and Kalisa on December 26, 1998, at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, where the pair were first introduced.
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Moving together in 2014 to Los Angeles, Hubert has fathered 10 lion cubs with none belonging to Kalisa. “This is a very hard loss for our Zoo community.”
“You cannot think of Hubert without thinking of his companion, Kalisa, they’ve been an inseparable couple for years.” Alisa Behar, announced in a press release.
“In the early mornings, staff would routinely hear Hubert’s waking roars. I will personally miss hearing them on my walks around the grounds.” She added. “Both lions were in declining health in the past couple of months. With a more rapid decline in the past two weeks.”
“Animal health staff had been monitoring Hubert for several months due to slow weight loss, when they were alerted to a more rapid decline in mobility for Kalisa recently.” She posted.
“The strength of their social bond has always been clear – euthanizing only one of these individuals would have been more difficult but with both lions having medical issues. This decision, fortunately, did not have to be made.” the Los Angeles Zoo added on Twitter.
Fans from around the globe posted their heartwarming stories in memory of the pair
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Sources
- Twitter. Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. July, 30, 2020.
- Twitter. Kitwana Lion @ Anthro Northwest 5 (2023).
- Twitter. Alix Berglund
- “Elderly Lion Couple That Were Soulmates Are Put To Sleep At The Same Time So Neither Has To Live Alone” BoardPanda. 2020
