Latest news with #FollyFarmAdventurePark
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."
