Celesto was born at the Houston Zoo in 1990 to parents Bruno and Kili
who arrived at the zoo with a third lion, Lindi, after being confiscated by authorities
from a Kansas farm.
Earlier this week, at 22 years of age, Celesto passed away from kidney disease.
She was among the oldest lions in the country.
Lions in zoos generally live into their late teens.
Her health had been declining over the last few years.
Knowing that her time was limited,
the zoo started a successful search for young lionesses to be added to the lion family.
Jonathan has three girls to keep him company.
But, I'm sure, like us all -- he will miss Celesto.
Celesto was feisty and strong-willed.
Jonathan is the King, and Celesto was the Queen.
She ruled wisely and well.
A big thank you to Misty for hosting Camera Critters.
26 comments:
Oh my goodness. Such beauty. Thanks for posting this. :)
Sorry to hear about Celesto, she will be missed. Wonderful shots of the lions.
A very beautiful tribute to a very beautiful girl. :-)
Ohhhhhhhh, totally awesome!!!! Y'know I live in Corpus, just a short 3 hour drive from there is this zoo, and I've never been.
Excellent share.
Celesto -- what a beautiful name for a lioness! Dare I say, "heavenly"?
Lovely pictures - who says animals can't display emotion? Those two do.
Neat post, Snap... I always love seeing the zoo animals... Celesto was a beauty, wasn't she? That is great that she lived for 22 years...A QUEEN for sure!!!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy
Lovely post. Rest well, Celesto!
P.S. Your header is great.
What a lovely shot. So sorry to hear about her.
Sad to hear of Celesto's passing. You took some wonderful photos of her.
Very beautiful wow!
Beautiful photos of beautiful creatures!~
such a beauty.
Lovely shots of "the queen"...she definitely looks regal. So sad that she died but she had a long life, and I'm sure she was well cared for.
Beautiful photos! I know he will miss her.
Phenomenal creatures - beautiful.
What a beautiful girl! So sad that she's gone.
What majestic animals! I'm glad Jonathan has girls to keep him company and help rule his kingdom.
Amazing and gorgeous creatures. Sad about the passing of Celesto, although it sounds like she lived a long life. I adore your header picture - so cute!
Cindy
Sad to see such a beautiful creature as Celesto pass away. you have done a wonderful tribute to her.
tolle Momente von den Löwen :D
LG vom katerchen
Hi Snap,
its a pitty that such a beautiful animal died on a desease. But such is life for animals as much as for humans. Its always sad. Celeste was a wonderful lion and her husband is truly looking like a king. I love the expression in his face, it is somehow humanlike. Thank you for sharing the story and the wonderful photos.
Best greetings, Johanna
she was magnificent
thank you for letting us know about her
They are all gorgeous.
Great pictures - beautiful beasts!
Lions are truly magnificent animals. I'm sure she'll be missed by her king.
xoxo
Donna
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