Hubert e Kalisa foram, segundo a CNN, os melhores amigos durante toda uma vida.

Estes dois leões africanos viveram juntos no Jardim Zoológico de Los Angeles onde, apesar de nunca terem procriado, mantiveram-se sempre lado a lado, como fazem os verdadeiros amigos.

Na quinta-feira passada, contudo, a amizade chegou ao fim. 

O Jardim Zoológico em questão decidiu eutanasiar os dois animais, alegando o seu estado de saúde já bastante fragilizado devido a doenças relacionadas com a sua avançada idade. 

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It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of our African lion pair, Hubert and Kalisa. Animal care and health staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the 21-year-old lions today due to their declining health and age-related illnesses that had diminished their quality of life. “Hubert and Kalisa are an iconic part of the L.A. Zoo experience, and our staff and guests have been touched by their loyal companionship,” said CEO & Zoo Director Denise Verret. “These affectionate companions came to the L.A. Zoo six years ago, and they quickly charmed themselves into our hearts as we observed their magnificent beauty and unique bond.  It was often said, you don’t see Kalisa without Hubert being close by.  So, while it is truly heart-wrenching that we had to say goodbye to this iconic pair, we can take comfort in knowing they left together. These lions will remain a positive part of our history, and they will be greatly missed.” With an average life expectancy of mid-teens and about 17 years in Zoos, Hubert and Kalisa were considered elderly when they arrived at the L.A. Zoo in 2014 from the Woodland Park Zoo, where they had first bonded. They quickly became favorites among L.A. Zoo guests and staff and were known for their frequent cuddles and nuzzles. “I have to commend our animal care and veterinary staff for the great care they’ve given this pair, a couple who lived longer than most lions do in human care and the wild.” Please join us in honoring Hubert and Kalisa and their legacy by sharing some of your favorite memories of them here or by tagging LA Zoo.

Uma publicação partilhada por Los Angeles Zoo (@lazoo) a 30 de Jul, 2020 às 12:26 PDT

Hubert nasceu em 7 de fevereiro de 1999 e Kalisa em 26 de dezembro de 1998. Os dois passaram seis anos juntos em Los Angeles e outros tantos anos no jardim zoológico Woodland Park, em Seattle. A  esperança média de vida para estes animais, quando em cativeiro, é de 17 anos.

"Hubert e Kalisa são uma parte icónica da experiência do zoológico de Los Angeles e a nossa equipa e convidados foram tocados pela sua lealdade", afirma Denise Verret, diretora do espaço.

"Apesar de ficarmos de coração partido por vê-los partir, ficamos tranquilos por saber que partiram juntos", acrescenta a responsável. 

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