Paradise Wildlife Park Hertfordshire Zoo News 2025

As expected:

"Introducing... Lions of India!

We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming Asiatic lions for the first time in our history!

This is a monumental moment as we welcome Sonika and Sahee from our sister charity, The Big Cat Sanctuary. Their arrival will play a crucial role in their conservation breeding program, helping to protect this endangered species with only 700 remaining in the wild.

We are delighted to reveal Lions of India will be open this Easter! "
 
I was under the impression that BCS wanted to breed the Asiatic lions themselves but maybe circumstances have changed
 
Embu said:
I was under the impression that BCS wanted to breed the Asiatic lions themselves but maybe circumstances have changed
Click to expand...

I believe both sites are run by the same people so they do move the animals around from time to time depending on where they feel the best enclosure and environment is for each animal. Hertfordshire zoo is open to the public all year round so the lion cubs (assuming breeding is successful) will probably give the company a better publicity boost if they are at Hertfordshire Zoo compared to if they are at Big Cat Sanctuary.
 
Embu said:
I was under the impression that BCS wanted to breed the Asiatic lions themselves but maybe circumstances have changed
Click to expand...
The move itself was obvious a while back as soon as plans were announced to move the two remaining whites across to BCS. Aligns with Hertfordshire's conservation goals, allows Hertfordshire to have a fully mature male lion on-show again and allows the remaining female whites to retire quietly at BCS.

The Asian lions themselves have been together for nearly six years now at two, soon to be three collections, if there's a recommendation for them to breed, maybe the change of scenery will give them a nudge in the right direction.
 
Not being overly familiar with this pair but have they bred in the past or they currently in retirement?
 
Baringogiraffe12 said:
The move itself was obvious a while back as soon as plans were announced to move the two remaining whites across to BCS. Aligns with Hertfordshire's conservation goals, allows Hertfordshire to have a fully mature male lion on-show again and allows the remaining female whites to retire quietly at BCS.

The Asian lions themselves have been together for nearly six years now at two, soon to be three collections, if there's a recommendation for them to breed, maybe the change of scenery will give them a nudge in the right direction.
Click to expand...
In addition this, I seem to recall a notice being up at their enclosure during the open days in July, mentioning the breeding recommendation but saying that improved indoor facilities were needed for the pair for it to be followed through. The announcements made of Sahee and Sonika moving made by both sites have emphasised the improvement the lion enclosure at Hertfordshire Zoo will be for them, so it will be really nice to see and good for ZSH if breeding is successful, and could lead to improvements at both sites if there is a solid increase in visitor numbers.
I wonder exactly how much the lion exhibit has changed since the two female white lions departed it?
New lions this Easter! | Hertfordshire Zoo
"A Habitat Like No Other

The newly renovated “Lions of India” habitat has been meticulously crafted to reflect the natural habitat of these lions, native to the Gir Forest of India. Unlike their African cousins, Asiatic lions thrive in environments featuring a blend of woodland, scrubland, and rocky outcrops, with hot summers and mild winters. With only around 700 of these incredible animals left in the wild, they are a funtimental part of the breeding programme for their species.

To ensure Sonika and Sahee feel at home, the habitat features elevated lookout spots, dense foliage, and cozy, sheltered areas for them to retreat to. Additional heaters have been thoughtfully installed to keep the lions comfortable during the cooler British months. Adding a touch of whimsy and cultural homage, colourful TukTuks are also part of their habitat, offering an engaging and enriched environment."
 
Rajang-GOAT said:
In addition this, I seem to recall a notice being up at their enclosure during the open days in July, mentioning the breeding recommendation but saying that improved indoor facilities were needed for the pair for it to be followed through. The announcements made of Sahee and Sonika moving made by both sites have emphasised the improvement the lion enclosure at Hertfordshire Zoo will be for them, so it will be really nice to see and good for ZSH if breeding is successful, and could lead to improvements at both sites if there is a solid increase in visitor numbers.
I wonder exactly how much the lion exhibit has changed since the two female white lions departed it?
New lions this Easter! | Hertfordshire Zoo
"A Habitat Like No Other

The newly renovated “Lions of India” habitat has been meticulously crafted to reflect the natural habitat of these lions, native to the Gir Forest of India. Unlike their African cousins, Asiatic lions thrive in environments featuring a blend of woodland, scrubland, and rocky outcrops, with hot summers and mild winters. With only around 700 of these incredible animals left in the wild, they are a funtimental part of the breeding programme for their species.

To ensure Sonika and Sahee feel at home, the habitat features elevated lookout spots, dense foliage, and cozy, sheltered areas for them to retreat to. Additional heaters have been thoughtfully installed to keep the lions comfortable during the cooler British months. Adding a touch of whimsy and cultural homage, colourful TukTuks are also part of their habitat, offering an engaging and enriched environment."
Click to expand...

Hopefully the “touch of whimsy” won’t be as overwhelming as when ZSL opened Land of Lions!

Who knew lions drove TukTuks!
 
Panthera1981 said:
Hopefully the “touch of whimsy” won’t be as overwhelming as when ZSL opened Land of Lions!

Who knew lions drove TukTuks!
Click to expand...
It's probably just as well that ZSL didn't open a curry restaurant at the site, given their tricksy branding
 
Hertfordshire Zoo have announced the death of their male wolf, Romulus.

His sister is moving to Wolf Watch UK in Spring

Hertfordshire Zoo on Instagram: "Romulus - 10/03/2025 It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our much loved Eurasian wolf, Romulus. He became a cherished member of our zoo family in 2012 when he arrived with his sibling, Inge, at just a few weeks old. After carefully monitoring age-related health issues, our specialist zoo team and vets made the difficult decision to peacefully put Romulus to sleep at the age of 12. He was deeply loved by our team and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of meeting him. ❤️ We currently monitoring Inge and her behaviour since Romulus's passing. She remains active and engaged with her dedicated keepers before her scheduled move to Wolf Watch UK later this spring. Click link in bio to find out more information #eurasianwolf #wolf #hertfordshirezoo"
 
Embu said:
Where did Romulus & Inge come from originally?
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their website states the below about them:

"Romulus and Inge have made Paradise Wildlife Park their home since 2012. They arrived to us at six weeks old from a facility that had not intended on breeding wolves."
 
Visited at the weekend for the first time. Went with friends who have Marwell annual passes so they got in free. Overall was quite impressed with the collection, the newer enclosures for Jaguar, Sun Bears and Tigers were great and had lots of viewing opportunities.

The new revamped lion area had just opened - have uploaded some photos on the gallery. Highlight for me was seeing both Sun Bears very active including seeing the female being given an enrichment package which she promptly ripped open in minutes.

There's certainly some areas that could use some improvement - particularly the Zebra and Lemur enclosures. Only main no show was the Binturong. Lots of mating going on between the Jaguars, hope there will be babies in the near future! They also mentioned hoping to breed the Sun Bears too.

A few species need removing from zootierliste (someone correct me if wrong on any of these):
  • Common squirrel monkey
  • Eurasian wolf (enclosure now empty)
  • European red wolf
  • Lesser hedgehog tenrec (believe this has gone unless its off show?)
  • Northern giant pouched rat (as above)
  • Northern Racoon
  • Roof Rat
  • Scottish Red Deer
  • Striped Skunk
  • Sugar Glider
  • Common Marmoset (not signed in the rainforest house so presume they have gone)
 
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