Staff at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian have been left devastated by the loss of one of their cherished rescue lions. The lion, affectionately known as Twin 2, was rehomed at the zoo in 2015 along with his three brothers. These lions had been rescued by Belgian authorities after enduring years of hardship in a travelling circus.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the zoo announced Twin 2’s passing with heavy hearts. Despite the veterinary and keeping teams’ dedicated efforts to address Twin 2’s age-related health challenges, the difficult decision was made to let him go. The post shared the lion’s journey to the zoo and how the keepers initially struggled to tell Twin 2 apart from his brother, leading to the endearing nicknames Twin 1 and Twin 2.
The names became permanent as the lions settled into their new home, where they found love and care after a tough start in life. Twin 2 lived a fulfilling nine years at the zoo, experiencing peace and reaching a remarkable age in a safe environment. The zoo expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Twin 2, stating that his roar will be profoundly missed throughout the premises.
The passing of Twin 2 has left a sombre atmosphere at Five Sisters Zoo, where memories of the beloved rescue lion will forever linger. The zoo’s dedication to providing a loving home for rescued animals shines through Twin 2’s story, highlighting the importance of compassionate care and respect for all creatures. Twin 2’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and cared for him at the zoo in West Lothian.