Jasira, the matriarch of Klaus and Simba’s pride at Longleat Safari Park, died after a short illness this week, her keepers confirmed. She was just a few months shy of her 21st birthday
Longleat Safari Park fans have expressed their devastation following the passing of one of the park’s matriarch lionesses.
Jasira, the leader of Klaus and Simba’s pride, passed away after a brief illness this week, her keepers have confirmed. She was merely a few months away from celebrating her 21st birthday.
Longleat states that Jasira was amongst the most elderly lions in human care across the UK and, even more heartbreakingly, comes after the loss of her half-sister, Malaika, from Harry’s pride, last year. Carnivore Team Manager Amy Waller commented: “Several of our lions have or are reaching this grand age, and while it always sad when we lose an animal, particularly a stalwart like Jasira, we are very proud that she lived as long as she did as her age is testament to the care she received here. In the wild lions live to around 12-14 years of age.”
Posting tributes on Facebook, some supporters remembered watching Jasira and her sister on the safari park’s television programme, Animal Park, years ago, reports Somerset Live.
“I remember seeing Jasira and Malaika as babies on the TV show many moons ago, what amazing long lives they had, goes to show how well cared for Longleat’s animals are,” one individual commented.
Another person remarked: “I’m sorry to hear this sad news, beautiful lion, thinking of all the staff , R.I.P beautiful.
“Oh no so so sad. What an amazing age. Goes to show how wonderfully these animals are cared for to live so long,” a third added.
Earlier this year, the safari park revealed that a new pride was being established with two new female southern lions.
The public will vote on the new lionesses’ names, with Longleat confirming the winning choices will be announced later this month.
A man and woman have been prosecuted after a malnourished dog was filmed being thrown over a six-foot garden gate in Bristol.
James Andrew Marchant, 42, and Clair Yvonne Malik, 42, of Privet Drive, Bristol, have pleaded guilty following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. On September 5, 2025, a neighbour reported that Marchant had wrestled a terrier to the ground.
The neighbour started filming him and captured Marchant hurling the dog, called Boomer, over the wooden gate on one side of the property onto the paved surface on the other. The neighbours yelled at him to stop, the police were called, and Marchant was detained.
The vet who examined the footage informed the court that Boomer would have endured pain and distress while being restrained in such an improper way, along with instant discomfort from being gripped and lifted.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.