Iblis the Asiatic lion, who featured in a Channel 4 documentary, sadly died at Chester Zoo – staff said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the lion’s death but added he ‘far exceeded’ the typical life expectancy for his species
A rare lion who starred in a popular Channel 4 show was sadly found dead at a major UK zoo.
Iblis the Asiatic lion died at Chester Zoo at the “remarkable” age of 18. The special lion, who was known for its “deep, booming call”, starred in a Channel 4 documentary called The Secret Life of the Zoo. Staff at Chester Zoo said they were “deeply saddened” by Iblis’ death but added that he had “far exceeded” the typical life expectancy for a wild lion like him – which is usually only 16 years.
Iblis spent a remarkable 15 years at Chester Zoo. He was described as having “captured the heart of millions with his regal, majestic presence” while there.
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Mark Brayshaw, head of mammals at Chester, praised the incredible rare lion and the team who looked after him. He said: “His long and full life is a true reflection not only of the incredible care and love shown to him by our dedicated Carnivore Team, but also of the enriched environment they created for him.
“Iblis was not only well cared for, he was held in great affection. He spent his years thriving, enjoying his surroundings and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His absence will be especially felt by those who shared in his wonderful journey.”
The Asiatic lion is one of the rarest species in the world with only around 900 left in the wild. The species once spanned across Greece, Turkey, northern Africa and Asia, but now they are only found in one forest in India.
Brayshaw added that Chester Zoo would have two new “carefully matched” Asiatic lions arriving in the upcoming months.
A spokesperson for Chester Zoo said: “Our thoughts are with the carnivore team and with those who loved Iblis, as we celebrate his magnificent life and the legacy he leaves behind him.”
Although Iblis was well looked after at Chester Zoo, other animals have not been so lucky. A “beloved” lion, monitored by the University of Oxford, was tragically shot dead by heartless trophy hunters who shelled out £35,000 to slay the beautiful creature.
Blondie, the five-year-old lion, had been fitted with a GPS collar by researchers from Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. Campaigners said the lion was coaxed by trophy hunters and killed just outside Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, on June 29.
Simon Espley, CEO of safari experts Africa Geographic, which sponsored the collar, said his organisation was “dismayed and angered”.