Today we said goodbye to our Asiatic lion, Kamal. Whilst today is a sad day for us all we also celebrate the long life of Kamal. Reaching the remarkable age of 16, he became Britain’s oldest Asiatic lion in captivity – an incredible milestone for an Asiatic lion. We always knew our time with Kamal would be precious and we feel privileged to have provided him with a retirement home.

Kamal was a magnificent lion – his roar echoed across the park each day, becoming a sound that so many of us will always remember. He quickly became a much-loved member of our family, adored by both our team and the thousands of visitors who came to see him.

During Kamal’s life he turned out to be quite the globe trotter. Originally born in the Magdeburg Zoo in Germany in 2010, Kamal and his twin brother, Bhanu, travelled to Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo in Canada at the age of 2. After being adored by international lion enthusiasts, the brothers were introduced to the UK in 2016 as part of a European breeding programme designed to stabilise the endangered (IUCN Red List) population of these beautiful creatures.

Kamal found his home at Chessington World of Adventures where he was introduced to a female of his species. His future mate named Rani, which fittingly directly translates to “queen” in traditional Sanskrit, became his partner for the remaining decade of his life. It’s safe to say that the sparks between them flew, as in his first year at the zoo they welcomed three female cubs Anala, Ramari and Kesari. Kamal lives on in his cubs who were relocated to Terra Natura Zoo in Benidorm as part of the same European breeding programme to meet their mates and continue their parent’s legacy as internationally adored queens of the forest.

After many years at Chessington Zoo in 2025 the decision was made that Kamal and Rani should be relocated to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park to enjoy their retirement in an expansive lion reserve and to have some much needed rest and relaxation in the later years of their lives. On their arrival to their new home Stevie Sheppard, Park Director at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park said

“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.” 

All of us at the park are proud to say that our care and the love that they have received from our visitors over the time that he resided here have demonstrated and reaffirmed our commitment to the sentiment that Stevie shared.

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.

We know many of you will be thinking of our lioness, Rani. 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, with her welfare remaining our highest priority, just as it always has.

All of us at the park are saddened to mourn the loss of our lion king Kamal, however we are comforted by the sentiment that…

‘We are all connected in the great circle of life.’ (Lion King)