This is the heartbreaking story of how an elderly lion couple were put to sleep at the same time so that neither one of them had to live alone.
The pair were always together at LA Zoo and were one of the top attractions for visitors from across the globe.
But sadly, with their health declining, their time was up and the zoo thought it best to euthanize them both.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the beautiful big cats.
We don't deserve animals.
This is a heartbreaking story.
They were deeply in love.
It was true love too.
They were always together.
But they were getting old.
They were both 21.
And while they lived a long and healthy life, old age was beginning to settle in.And zoo workers made a heartbreaking discovery.
So they had to make a horrible decision.
They couldn't separate the pair.
So they put them down together.
A spokesperson explained their decision.
These lions were charismatic both together as partners and separately, but they were hardly ever apart from one another.
She continued:
Their undivided attention was always on the other as they rested together, cuddled and nuzzled often. CEO and zoo director Denise Verret also made an emotional statement, saying:
These affectionate companions came to the LA Zoo six years ago, and they quickly charmed themselves into our hearts as we observed their magnificent beauty and unique bond.
"It was often said, you don’t see Kalisa without Hubert being close by."
So, while it is truly heart-wrenching that we had to say goodbye to this iconic pair, we can take comfort in knowing they left together. These lions will remain a positive part of our history, and they will be greatly missed.
But that wasn't all.
Verret also said that the lions were an 'iconic part of the zoo' and that countless guests have been 'touched by their companionship'.She also thanked staff.
Thanking them for their hard work and concluding that the pair 'lived longer than most lions do in human care and in the wild'.Other workers at the zoo spoke of how hard the loss is to deal with.
Sad news coming out of LA Zoo today as Hubert & Kalisa were euthanized at age 21 in declining health. Having been… https://t.co/i1MYUOak2i— Kijani Lion (@Kijani Lion)1596155397.0
In the early mornings, staff would routinely hear Hubert’s waking roars, and I will personally miss hearing them on my walks around the grounds.
She added:
RIP to the King & Queen of @LAZoo Hubert & Kalisa. They have completed their Circle of Life after 21 years and will… https://t.co/glIX6NE7dV— Kitwana Will Take A Covid-19 Vaccine🇨ðŸ‡ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸ (@Kitwana Will Take A Covid-19 Vaccine🇨ðŸ‡ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸)1596220650.0
You cannot think of Hubert without thinking of his companion, Kalisa; they’ve been an inseparable couple for years.
Rest in peace.
It’s always a sad day when iconic animals are euthanized at a crummy zoo. Hubert and Kalisa were always together in… https://t.co/3tzBT66quJ— Elephant Lovers (@Elephant Lovers)1596211082.0