Latest news with #FollyFarm
Pembrokeshire Herald
14-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Sad farewell to Folly Farm's majestic Lion, Hugo
Folly Farm has announced the heartbreaking loss of one of its most iconic residents, Hugo the African lion, who passed away this week at the age of 17. Hugo arrived at the award-winning Pembrokeshire attraction in 2014, alongside his mate Luna and their four cubs – Sola, Zahra, Alika, and Ebele. Described as a 'firm favourite' among both staff and visitors, Hugo quickly became a beloved figure at the zoo, known for his powerful presence and regal demeanour. Folly Farm confirmed that Hugo had recently experienced a short period of illness. A comprehensive health assessment, carried out by the in-house veterinary team in collaboration with specialist zoo vets, revealed he was suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), a common but irreversible condition in ageing big cats. His most recent health episode was identified as a uraemic crisis – a dangerous build-up of toxins due to kidney failure. Given his diagnosis and advanced age, the team made the difficult but compassionate decision to prevent further suffering by saying a peaceful goodbye. 'It's never easy to say goodbye to one of our animals, particularly one as special as Hugo,' a spokesperson for Folly Farm said. 'He has been a majestic presence here for over a decade and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.' Tributes have begun pouring in on social media from visitors and long-time supporters of the zoo, many sharing fond memories and photos of the lion whose roar once echoed across the Pembrokeshire countryside. Folly Farm has asked the public to extend their sympathies to the dedicated keeping team who cared for Hugo and are now mourning his loss. Visitors are invited to share their memories of Hugo as the zoo remembers the life of one of its most cherished residents.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Folly Farm announce with 'heavy hearts' devastating news on Hugo the lion
Folly Farm announce with 'heavy hearts' devastating news on Hugo the lion The 17-year-old African lion has been put to sleep after being diagnosed with kidney disease Hugo the lion at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo pictured in 2016 In his prime he was described as a "majestic presence" that captivated visitors at one of Wales' most popular attractions. But sadly, even the mightiest of creatures feel the passage of time and Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in Pembrokeshire has announced "with heavy hearts" that Hugo, their cherished 17-year-old male African lion, has died after a brief illness. Hugo was diagnosed with kidney disease and the farm made the "humane" decision to put Hugo to sleep, due to his age, in the hope of ending his suffering. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here. Hugo arrived at the attraction near Tenby in 2014 with his mate Luna and their four cubs – Sola, Zahra, Alika, and Ebele – and swiftly became a "firm favourite" among staff and visitors. Hugo the lion and Luna the lioness at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo A spokesman for Folly Farm said: "It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Hugo. Article continues below "Hugo, our 17-year-old male African lion, joined Folly Farm in 2014 along with his mate Luna and their four cubs, Sola, Zahra, Alika, and Ebele. He immediately became a firm favourite amongst staff and visitors. "Following a short period of illness Folly Farm's veterinary team, in close consultation with specialist zoo veterinarians, conducted a full health assessment on Hugo. "The results found that Hugo was suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) – a progressive and irreversible condition affecting kidney function, common in older big cats. "His recent illness was determined to be a uraemic episode (a toxic build-up due to kidney failure) and sadly more episodes were likely. "Following an ethical review and given Hugo's age and the nature of his condition the difficult but humane decision to provide a dignified goodbye to him was taken to prevent further suffering. Hugo the lion at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo Article continues below "Hugo has been a majestic presence at Folly Farm for many years and we thank you, our visitors, for your understanding and support during this difficult time. "Our thoughts are with our keeping team who are feeling his loss most deeply and we ask you to show your support for them by sharing your condolences and memories of Hugo."
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Folly Farm: Sadness after 'majestic presence' Hugo the lion dies
In his prime he was a "majestic presence" who drew awe from visitors to one of Wales' top tourist the effects of age catch up with even the king of the jungle with the news that Hugo the 17-year-old lion has Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in Pembrokeshire announced "with heavy hearts" the passing of their beloved male African lion following a short illness."Our thoughts are with our keeping team who are feeling his loss most deeply," it said in a statement. Hugo arrived at the attraction near Tenby in 2014 with his mate Luna and their four cubs - Sola, Zahra, Alika, and Ebele - and swiftly became a "firm favourite" among staff and the illness it was discovered he was suffering from chronic kidney disease, a progressive and irreversible condition common in older big cats. The decision was taken to put him down due to his age, given more episodes of illness were likely."It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Hugo," the statement read."His recent illness was determined to be an uraemic episode and sadly, more episodes were likely."Following an ethical review and given Hugo's age and the nature of his condition, the difficult but humane decision to provide a dignified goodbye to him was taken to prevent further suffering."
Western Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Miss Earth Wales finalist lands dream job at Folly Farm
Abigail Wood, a Miss Earth Wales 2025 finalist, has joined the keepers at the attraction as a seasonal penguin keeper. Ms Wood, from Tavernspite, has recently finished her Masters qualification in Environmental Biology: Conservation and Resource Management at Swansea University. She said: "I am so grateful for the opportunity to work at Folly Farm whose foundations are conservation, sustainability, and community." Abigail is passionate about nature (Image: Amanda Wood) Ms Wood's advocacy "Wild About Nature" has seen her pen a children's book to aid knowledge and education of nature. She said: "It is crucial that the upcoming generation recognises the implications of their actions on the surrounding ecosystems. "Whether big or small, everyone must play a part in ensuring that the UK's rich wildlife thrives for countless years to come." She is hoping to become Miss Earth Wales (Image: Amanda Wood) The Miss Earth Wales final is on May 25 in Barry and Ms Wood hopes to achieve success as she did in 2023 when she became the first Miss Eco Pageants UK. Here, courage, beauty, and sustainability are brought together with integrity and a strong advocacy.
