Jasira

The Queen of one of our prides of lions has died, just months before her 21^st birthday, keepers have announced.

Jasira was the matriarch in Klaus and Simba’s pride on the Estate and passed away after a short illness this week. She was one of the oldest lions in human care in the UK following the death of her half-sister Malaika, who reigned over Harry’s pride, last year.

Carnivore Team Manager Amy Waller said: “Several of our lions have or are reaching this grand age, and whilst it 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. In the wild lions live to around 12-14 years of age.”

In our anniversary year, celebrating 60 years since the first Drive-Through Safari Park outside of Africa opened, we 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.