Lions Are On The Move

As we know our prized Chester Zoo is regularly undergoing change. And as we usually know it is changes for the better. Islands for instance has been a fantastic addition to our world famous attraction. One latest change will our cuddly, furry friends relocated. Yes, the lions are on the move. Maybe not an earth shattering announcement to some, but to those of us old enough, it is the end of an era.

Lions Are On The Move

Why so? Why and end of an era? As it happens I’m in my late 20’s – well to be precise about 20 and 500 months!!! And all my life I’ve always known the lions have lived in the enclosure by Oakfield House.

As all the changes have occurred and on occasions when you get lost, landing by the lions enclosure has always been a bit of a landmark. Get to there and you can get your whereabouts better.

But, the landmark is to be no more. The lions are on the move. Don’t worry though, they’re not moving away from the Zoo. Not at all. They are being relocated into a brand new enclosure.

Lions Are On The Move – Their New Home

Not just any old enclosure though. Nope, not at all. Their new home is to be a state of the art, conservation breeding facility. A sort of home from home really as it has been designed by experts to recreate the dry forest and savannah habitat of the Gir Forest in India. This region being the home to the last surviving population of wild Asiatic lions.

Their new home will boast a densely planted forest, raised hilltop viewing spots, a water hole and a sandy beach. Throw in a tunnel with a direct link to The Oakfield pub and I might move in myself!!

This tailor made, new home will not be far from the giraffe enclosure.

A Smooth Relocate To A New Home?

They do say that moving home is one of the most stressful events to ever happen to us humans. I wonder if it is the same for lions? After all, home for Iblis, Kimali and Kiburi, all 12 years of age has been next to Oakfield House for so many years. Will a move stress them out?

It shouldn’t do as the Zoo’s expert staff have been readying the lions slowly but surely for the move as and when the removal men spring into action.

When is the move? This month (October) is the target date. Watch this space – the Lions are on the move. You’ve been warned giraffe’s and, oh, better keep the noise down. You wouldn’t want to upset your new neighbours.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo – what a place. A great place to visit and I’m sure the lions will soon find out, a great place to live – wherever you are located. I’ve posted plenty of articles about Chester Zoo over the two years I’ve had my website. And there’s even a page dedicated to them as well.

To see this page – click HERE.

To see my other blog posts about our world famous attraction – have a look over HERE.