A pair of lions representing some of the world’s rarest big cats recently arrived at Chester Zoo. The move is part of the celebrated animal and plant conservationists’ constant efforts to support endangered animals from becoming extinct.
Nilay is a male lion who was previously living in Germany, while Shanti had less far to travel, hailing from London Zoo. The two apex predators have been meticulously matched using in-depth genetic analysis in an ongoing international conservation breeding programme, of which Chester Zoo is a key stakeholder.
The zoo’s conservationists have commented that the new arrivals instantly forged a connection, and they are hopeful cubs will result in the future.
Chester Zoo is respected as an important player in efforts to protect Asiatic lions and their long-term survival. Today in the wild, there are fewer than 900 lions. Recently, experts on the feline carnivore presented early images of the big cats investigating the expansive new habitat made ready for them. The enclosure has been carefully created to faithfully represent the scrublands and dry forests of the Gir Forest in India, the last place where Asiatic lions roam wild on the earth.
Team Manager for Carnivores at the zoo, Dave Hall, said that the arrival of the duo is the start of an exciting new beginning in Chester’s work to safeguard one of the planet’s most endangered and extraordinary animals. He added that both lions are two years old and full of energy and curiosity.
Visitors to Chester can now meet the new arrivals at the zoo, located in easy reach of the city.