Beloved Lion Pair, Hubert and Kalisa, Euthanized Together at LA Zoo

Hubert and Kalisa, a pair of 21-year-old lions who were 'inseparable', were put down together at their home in the Los Angeles Zoo, officials said

Hubert and Kalisa’s touching relationship began at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, where they first crossed paths before relocating to the Los Angeles Zoo in 2014. Although Hubert had fathered ten cubs during his lifetime, he never had offspring with Kalisa. Born in 1999 at the Lincoln Park Zoo and 1998 at Woodland Park, respectively, they quickly formed an inseparable couple.

Both Hubert and Kalisa had far outlived their normal lifespan, but were in 'declining health', the zoo said. Hubert is pictured lovingly cleaning Kalisa as the two lounged at their home in the zoo
Alisa Behar, the curator of mammals at the Los Angeles Zoo, expressed the profound loss, stating, “You cannot think of Hubert without thinking of his companion, Kalisa; they’ve been an inseparable couple for years.” Beth Schaefer, the animal programs director, described the lions as charismatic and revealed that their unwavering devotion was evident as they rested together, cuddled, and nuzzled frequently.
The couple were in 'declining health', the zoo said, and age-related illnesses had 'diminished their quality of life'
African lions typically live until their mid-teens in the wild and reach around 17 years of age in captivity. Hubert and Kalisa’s remarkable longevity was attributed to the expert care provided by the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams. Denise Verret, the zoo’s director, praised their care and emphasized the importance of the animals’ companionship, which touched both staff and visitors.
The union of Kalisa and Hubert (pictured) started at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, where the lions met before being moved to LA in 2014

The African lion population faces significant challenges, with estimates ranging from 23,000 to 39,000 remaining in the wild. They are classified as “vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

While Hubert (lying asleep) fathered 10 cubs, he never had any with Kalisa
Hubert and Kalisa were so close that their union was used to help celebrate Valentine's Day at the zoo. An image form a short video posted on Facebook is pictured

Hubert and Kalisa’s bond was so celebrated that it even became part of the zoo’s Valentine’s Day festivities, a testament to their profound connection. These lions, who have now found eternal rest together, leave behind a legacy of love and companionship that resonates with all who were fortunate enough to witness it.

Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager: A Jewel of the Andean Highlands

Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager: A Jewel of the Andean Highlands

Discovering the Enigmatic Beauty of the Red-necked Tanager

Discovering the Enigmatic Beauty of the Red-necked Tanager

Unveiling the Ecological Superpowers of the Rufous-headed Tanager

Unveiling the Ecological Superpowers of the Rufous-headed Tanager

Dolphins Find Babies Cute Too

Dolphins Find Babies Cute Too