Pride of lions returns to Africa Alive after enclosure repaired

They had to go 'on holiday' to Whipsnade Zoo after Storm Eunice damaged their enclosure

The lions are back in sunny Suffolk
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 6th May 2022

A pride of lions has returned to Africa Alive on the Suffolk coast, after a temporary stay at Whipsnade Zoo earlier this year.

They all had to go on an 'emergency holiday' earlier this year after Storm Eunice brought down trees and damaged their enclosure.

The group of five are now back in Suffolk after a ten week stay in Bedfordshire. All had to be sedated before they could be moved.

Graeme Williamson, Head of Living Collections at Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, said:

“We are delighted to welcome back our pride of Lions, they have been sorely missed by visitors and keepers over the past 10 weeks.

“During this time, we have had teams of staff and contractors working tirelessly to replace the damaged section of the Lion fence line and make suitable adjustments to facilitate bringing our pride home.

"The newly refurbished “Kingdom of the Lion” has never looked better.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to have such good links with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and are thankful to their staff for looking after Zero, Mo, Tor, Kaya and Jabu during their holiday in Bedfordshire.”

Africa Alive is holding a special 'welcome home' party tomorrow to mark the occasion.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.