Britain’s oldest Asiatic lion in captivity has been put to sleep at the age of 16 after the effects of old age began affecting his quality of life.
Kamal, whose ‘mighty roar’ echoed across Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park each day, was described as a “magnificent” lion and a favourite among keepers and visitors.
He leaves behind his long-term mate Rani, who is being closely monitored and supported by the wildlife park’s team as she adjusts to life without him.
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Staff and veterinary professionals made the “difficult decision” to put Kamal to sleep after determining that his welfare was being compromised, as reported by What’s The Jam?
The park said: “As Kamal entered the later stages of his life, our team and veterinary professionals monitored him closely.
“When it became clear that the effects of old age were impacting his quality of life, the decision was made to say goodbye.
“As always, Kamal’s welfare was our absolute priority and we ensured he was able to pass peacefully and without suffering.”
Kamal was born alongside his twin brother Bhanu at Magdeburg Zoo in Germany in 2010.
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The brothers moved to Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Canada, when they were two before being brought to the UK in 2016.
Their arrival formed part of a European breeding programme intended to support the population of endangered Asiatic lions.
Kamal settled at Chessington World of Adventures, where he was introduced to Rani – whose name translates to “queen” in Sanskrit.
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The pair quickly bonded and remained together for the final decade of Kamal’s life.
During their first year as a pair, they welcomed three female cubs named Anala, Ramari and Kesari.
The daughters later moved to Terra Natura Zoo in Benidorm as part of the same breeding programme, where it was hoped they would find mates and continue their parents’ legacy.
In October 2025, Kamal and Rani were relocated from Chessington to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Wherstead, Suffolk.
The move gave the ageing couple an expansive reserve in which to spend their retirement.
Television presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty said: “When Kamal arrived with us last October, our aim was simple: to give him the peaceful retirement he deserved.
“He settled in well, quickly becoming a firm favourite with both our team and the thousands of visitors who came to admire him.
“His unmistakable roar around the park is something I’ll never forget.”
He added: “It was an honour to care for such a magnificent lion and to play a part in his remarkable story.
“Rest easy, old friend.”
The park said it felt “privileged” to have provided Kamal with a retirement home and described his age as an “incredible milestone” for an Asiatic lion.
Staff are now concentrating on Rani’s welfare.
A spokesperson said: “She remains in the care of our dedicated team, who will continue to monitor her closely over the coming days and weeks.
“We will ensure she receives all the care, attention and support she needs as she adjusts.”
Visitors have shared their memories and paid tribute to Kamal online.
One person said: “That’s so sad. We only saw him on 17 July and heard his mighty roar.
“Such a beautiful lion. His keepers must be really upset. We saw how well looked after he was.
“Sleep tight, big fella.”
Another person added: “Beautiful boy, and so glad he got to have his final months at Jimmy’s.
“The team there are amazing and I know they will all be devastated at the loss. Hope Rani is okay.”
The park concluded its tribute with a line from The Lion King: “We are all connected in the great circle of life.”
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