Chester Zoo is home to the majestic and endangered Asiatic lions, a subspecies of lions that once roamed across Asia into eastern India. Today, Asiatic lions can only be found in the Gir Forest in India, where approximately 600 individuals remain. They are slightly smaller than their African counterparts and have a fold of skin along their belly and a shorter, darker mane for males.
Species Overview
The Asiatic lions at Chester Zoo are a part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, which aims to conserve healthy populations of some of the world’s most threatened species in zoos across Europe. This programme creates a wider gene pool and acts as an insurance population should the species become extinct in the wild.
Habitat and Enrichment
The Asiatic lions at Chester Zoo reside in a state-of-the-art habitat spanning 4,790 square meters, designed to recreate the environment of the Gir Forest region in India. This expansive zone offers visitors a chance to get up-close to these amazing animals and raises awareness of the threats faced by Asiatic lions in the wild. The habitat includes indoor and outdoor areas, with higher walls and sturdier gates to ensure the safety of both the lions and visitors.
Conservation Efforts
Chester Zoo is actively involved in the conservation of Asiatic lions. Visitors can contribute to these efforts by adopting an animal, which helps fund the zoo’s conservation work in the UK and around the world.
Historical Significance
Lions have been a part of Chester Zoo’s history since its inception. The zoo’s founder, George Mottershead, had a vision of a ‘zoo without bars’, and in 1937, the first African lions arrived at the zoo. Over the years, the lions have been a favorite among visitors, and in 1994, endangered Asiatic lions replaced the African lions.
Unique Perspective
One unique aspect of Chester Zoo’s history is the inseparable friendship between a little Sealyham terrier called Peter and a lion cub named Mowgli in the early 1940s. This friendship, which lasted for four years, attracted large crowds and is remembered as one of the greatest friendships between different species the zoo had ever known.
Visitor Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Timings | The zoo is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. |
| Admission | Adult tickets are £27.00, child tickets (3-17 years) are £22.00, and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are £88.00. |
| Contact | For general inquiries, call +44 1244 380280. |
References:
– Asiatic Lions | Visit our NEW lion habitat | What’s here? – Chester Zoo, https://www.chesterzoo.org/whats-here/asiatic-lions-habitat/
– Asiatic Lion | Meet Our Animals | Chester Zoo Big Cats, https://www.chesterzoo.org/our-zoo/animals/lions/
– A history of lions at Chester Zoo, https://www.chesterzoo.org/news/a-history-of-lions-at-chester-zoo/
– Interview with a carnivore keeper | Chester Zoo, https://www.chesterzoo.org/news/interview-with-a-carnivore-keeper/
– Zookeepers Make Tough Choice Over Lion Cubs Future – YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk2IxPw2Irs