Most of us dream of growing old with the one we love. It turns out animals feel the same. In fact, I believe their love is often purer and stronger than ours.
Need proof? Just look at swans. A swan has one partner for life, and if their mate dies, the other may die from heartbreak.
Recently, the Los Angeles Zoo announced that two lions, both 21 years old, had to be euthanized at the same time. The soulmates, Kalisa and Hubert, had been inseparable since they arrived at the zoo in 2014. Hubert was born at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, and Kalisa came from Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Together, they proved that true love really does exist.
“These lions were charismatic both together as partners and separately, but they were hardly ever apart,” said LA Zoo spokesperson Beth Schaefer. Their bond was undeniable, making them truly inseparable.
The community felt the loss deeply. “We’ve been touched by the many people who’ve shared their fond memories of Hubert and Kalisa on social media. Their love for one another created a deeper connection with our guests, and we’ve seen incredible empathy through the outpouring of support,” added Schaefer.
In the wild, lions typically live for about 12 to 15 years. But in captivity, they can live up to 20 years or more.
Why the difference?
In the wild, lions face constant threats from predators. Though it might seem like lions don’t have enemies, they do—cheetahs, hyenas, and others. On top of that, wild lions don’t have access to medical care. If a lion is injured and can’t hunt, it’s hard for them to survive.
Lions in zoos, however, are safe from these dangers. They receive medical attention that helps them recover from injuries, allowing them to live longer. They also don’t have to struggle with extreme weather or find food and water, which can be scarce during droughts in the wild. In captivity, all their needs are provided for.
Here’s what people had to say about the majestic couple.
