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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.