It is with a heavy heart that we share the difficult news that our male African lion, Bailey, was put to sleep on Wednesday 11th March 2026.
At 18 years old, Bailey had developed several conditions for which he had been under ongoing veterinary review, alongside normal daily keeper observation. His mobility around the habitat had decreased, along with a reduced focus and skeletal stiffness. A tumour on his leg was being monitored, along with signs of reduced kidney function through episodes of incontinence.
Through ongoing welfare assessments, it was felt that, up until this point, Bailey utilised his habitat as expected, interacted with his enrichment and fed well in order to take his medication. However, following a decline in the past few days, his Animal Care Team felt that his quality of life could no longer be maintained. Though deeply sad, the decision to put him to sleep was made professionally and with Bailey’s wellbeing at its heart.
Through well-designed habitats and carefully planned nutrition, many species live longer in captivity than in the wild, and as animals age, we adapt their care — including medication and additional monitoring to maintain their quality of life. Inevitably though, as we recently also saw with our sea lions, we reach a stage when an animal’s welfare is compromised and unfortunately, we have to make the decision to put them to sleep.
Having been a part of the CZS family since arriving in 2010 from Woburn Safari Park, Bailey has been a firm favourite amongst visitors and staff alike.
Bailey was a big character with a big personality. He was very set in his ways and any changes in his normal routine would throw him off. He was a stubborn lion that did everything on his terms and was good at making you wait for him! He knew what he liked and what he didn’t like and wouldn’t be shy about letting you know!
Bailey had thoughtful eyes that made you feel seen and a call that could be heard around the Zoo in the mornings and evenings. We would often say when he called in the late afternoon, it was his signal for everyone to go home. If you were lucky enough to experience it when he was in his house, it would echo right through you, and you couldn’t help but smile. We are sure many visitors over the years have had the joyful moment of hearing him when they are anywhere in the Zoo and even those living in the surrounding area!
Bailey spent most of his life in the company of his cousins, Naja and Malika. The Animal Care Team always enjoyed finding them all squished together in the same bed in the mornings. He liked to follow Naja and Malika wherever they went and always had to wait his turn when it came to training with the Animal Care Team. The team always enjoyed finding new ways of enriching Bailey, but he certainly had his favourites! He always loved Christmas trees every year and could be seen rubbing in them for ages, but nothing would beat his love for a cardboard box or to roll around in elephant poo! Over the years, Bailey’s appetite for different types of meat would change but discovering his love of muntjac was certainly like the saying ‘The cat that got the cream!’
“It has been a privilege to care for Bailey over the years. He will hold a special place in the hearts of the Animal Care Team and all that have had the pleasure to know and work with him. The passing of Bailey has come at a big loss; however, he will always be remembered to the carnivore team as ‘Bailey Boy’. I’m proud of the team and the difficult decision that has been made.”
– Emma, Team Leader of Carnivore Section
For now, Bailey’s habitat at Lion Rock will remain empty whilst we process the loss of our beloved friend.
We would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. Saying goodbye to one of our friends is never easy and this loss has come at an exceptionally hard time for all at CZS following the sad news of the passing of our two Patagonian sea lions, Sydney and Milan.
