Bailey the Lion
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.
Our African lion habitat includes an indoor sleeping area and a large outdoor space for roaming and sunbathing. The outdoor area is also visible from two locations including access to a higher viewpoint via stairs.
This area is also home to our fennec fox habitat which includes a large indoor area and an outside area. This habitat has been created to reflect the natural environment of a fennec foxes with sand a shrubbery.
African lions are the largest predators in Africa, hunting large prey such as wildebeest, zebra and buffalo.
In the year
2004
this habitat was built
A lion sleeps
20
hours a day
A roar carries
5
miles away
There are
2
species in this habitat
Animals in Lion Rock
Fennec Fox
Vulpes zerda
From: North Africa
Status: Least Concern
Quick Fact: The smallest of all the foxes, the fennec fox is easily recognisable due to its large ears.
Find me in: Lion Rock
Mammals
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