Saturday, November 17, 2012

Camera Critters: Celesto




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.



Celesto and Jonathan


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. 



Cali and Jonathan


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.


Camera Critters

26 comments:

Deb said...

Oh my goodness. Such beauty. Thanks for posting this. :)

eileeninmd said...

Sorry to hear about Celesto, she will be missed. Wonderful shots of the lions.

Misty DawnS said...

A very beautiful tribute to a very beautiful girl. :-)

Hootin Anni said...

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.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Celesto -- what a beautiful name for a lioness! Dare I say, "heavenly"?

Phil Slade said...

Lovely pictures - who says animals can't display emotion? Those two do.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

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

Buttercup said...

Lovely post. Rest well, Celesto!

P.S. Your header is great.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely shot. So sorry to hear about her.

DeniseinVA said...

Sad to hear of Celesto's passing. You took some wonderful photos of her.

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful wow!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Beautiful photos of beautiful creatures!~

TexWisGirl said...

such a beauty.

Janet said...

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.

A Colorful World said...

Beautiful photos! I know he will miss her.

Ruth Kelly said...

Phenomenal creatures - beautiful.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful girl! So sad that she's gone.

Mary said...

What majestic animals! I'm glad Jonathan has girls to keep him company and help rule his kingdom.

Cindy Adkins said...

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

Wildflowerhouse said...

Sad to see such a beautiful creature as Celesto pass away. you have done a wonderful tribute to her.

Anonymous said...

tolle Momente von den Löwen :D

LG vom katerchen

Johanna Gehrlein said...

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

Dianne said...

she was magnificent
thank you for letting us know about her

Rajesh said...

They are all gorgeous.

Frostbite and Sunburn said...

Great pictures - beautiful beasts!

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Lions are truly magnificent animals. I'm sure she'll be missed by her king.
xoxo
Donna