Big Cats. Big Adventure.

Three big cats: two Asiatic lions (Kamal and Rani) and one Amur tiger (Kalinka) from Chessington Zoo have moved to a new home at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park.

Big Cats Roar into a New Chapter at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park

We are pleased to announce the successful arrival of three big cats from Chessington Zoo, to a new reserve here at the Park.

Asiatic lions, Kamal and Rani, and Amur tiger, Kalinka, arrived safely at their new rural home following a journey by specialist animal transport from Chessington to Suffolk.

Kalinka, Amur Tiger at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park

Kamal, Asiatic Lion at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park

Their time at Chessington

For years the big cats have captured the imagination of guests at Chessington Zoo becoming ambassadors for their endangered sub-species and educating millions of guests on important conservation messages. They will now continue their legacy to inspire future generations in a new setting at the wildlife park.

Kamal (male, 15 years old) and Rani (female, 13 years old) are Asiatic lions, who came to Chessington as part of a European breeding programme, mated and bred three female cubs. While Kalinka (female, 15 years old) is an Amur tiger born in Sweden’s Kolmarden Wildlife Park in 2010.

Their new expansive reserve will continue to provide Kamal, Rani and Kalinka with an enriching environment for the animals to explore, rest and play, while also offering more space and a long-term home for the future.

Their future at Jimmy’s Farm & Widlife Park

We have worked in partnership with the team at Chessington Zoo to create a long-term home for Kamal, Rami and Kalinka. Chessington Zoo took the decision after a review, alongside independent specialists, that the big cats would benefit from a new environment with even more space to suit their evolving needs.

Jimmy Doherty, CEO and founder of Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, has always had a vision and belief that the natural world should be accessible and available to all. Commenting on the arrival of the big cats he said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kamal, Rani and Kalinka to Suffolk. They’re settling in brilliantly, and their presence will help us inspire visitors to care about endangered species while supporting vital global conservation work.”

The transfer of the big cats was carefully planned to ensure the cats’ wellbeing every step of the way, with specialist animal care teams from both parks working side-by-side to manage the move, from transportation logistics to acclimatisation of their new surroundings.

Stevie Sheppard, Park Director at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park said

“Creating the UK’s largest Asiatic lion reserve and now seeing Kamal and Rani exploring their expansive new habitat, alongside Kalinka the Amur tiger, is a real milestone for our park. Our focus has always been on giving these magnificent animals the very best home possible, where their needs come first and where visitors can be inspired by their story for years to come.”

Carnivore keeper, Adam Brunning, has cared for the big cats over the last four years at Chessington Zoo and is continuing his journey by taking on a new role here at Jimmys – ensuring the same expert care and familiar presence the animals have come to trust. Adam says:

“It’s been a real privilege being part of the Chessington team caring for Kamal, Rani and Kalinka over the years. We have a strong bond and I’m pleased to be continuing my relationship with them and continue to provide them the high standard of care they have been used to.”

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See the Big Cats Roar into their new Chapter

Both Chessington World of Adventures Resort and Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park share a deep commitment to conservation and education, and are confident that Kamal, Rani, and Kalinka will continue to inspire visitors in their new Suffolk home for years to come.

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