We would like to announce that our beloved Asiatic lions, Sonika and Sahee, will soon be moving from The Big Cat Sanctuary to our sister site, Hertfordshire Zoo.
Sonika and Sahee arrived at the Sanctuary in March 2023 from Bristol Zoo following its closure. Since then they have been incredible ambassadors for their species, raising awareness about the plight of Asiatic lions, of which only 700 remain in the wild. Now, an exciting new chapter awaits them as they move to a purpose-built habitat designed to support their role in the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme.
Their new habitat, Lions of India, has been designed over the past few months to replicate their natural environment. Asiatic lions originate from the Gir Forest in India, where they thrive in hot summers, mild winters, and a landscape of woodland, scrubland, and rocky outcrops. The zoo has carefully recreated these surroundings, incorporating elevated lookout spots for surveying their territory, dense foliage and secluded spaces for natural behaviours.
As the first-ever Asiatic lions at Hertfordshire Zoo, Sonika and Sahee’s arrival marks a historic moment for the zoo and a significant step in our shared conservation efforts. The breeding programme they are part of will help boost the captive population of Asiatic lions, creating a vital safety net for the species should their numbers decline further in the wild.
After Sonika and Sahee embark on their two-hour journey to their new home, their current habitat will welcome Kasanga, our male African lion and two white lionesses, Izulu and Zuri. This will offer a breathtaking view for our overnight lodge stay guests as they dine in our conservatory area.
While this move is bittersweet, we take comfort in knowing that Sonika and Sahee’s journey is an important one. Their new home offers them the opportunity to thrive and participate in the breeding programme, while their legacy at The Big Cat Sanctuary will always remain.
We will keep our supporters updated on their move, and we look forward to seeing Sonika and Sahee flourish in their new home. You will be able to see how the pair are settling in at Hertfordshire Zoo from Easter 2025.
Hertfordshire Zoo