Lioness killed by lion at Bellewaerde Park, keepers shocked

A new lion killed a lioness in their joint enclosure at Bellewaerde theme park in West Flanders, reports VRT news.

The lion, called Nestor, had recently arrived at the park near Ypres, along with two lionesses as part of a planned breeding programme.

"They got into a fight and he bit her on the throat," said park spokesperson Filip Van Dorpe.

"A distress call, which Nestor knows means he should return to his enclosure, was of no help,” he added.

“It is very unfortunate and unforeseen. They are still wild animals. This is what happens in nature. We regret this deeply, and everyone at Bellewaerde Park is very affected."

Nestor and the two lionesses, Maya and Numa, had recently moved from Antwerp to the park.

They were given time to gradually get to know each other, first indoors and then taking turns to spend time in the outdoor enclosure. As these encounters went well, keepers decided to occasionally let them out together.

When Maya went out with Nestor, the pair initially appeared to be comfortable with each another, but the lion suddenly bit the lioness on the neck. Keepers tried unsuccessfully to intervene.

Keepers at Antwerp Zoo, where Nestor was born, were similarly shocked by the news. A spokesperson told VRT that the lion had never previously shown signs of aggression.

“He was a little on the shy side in his early years,” said Ilse Seger, “but since then, he has really opened up” and “he was always gentle with his cubs and with his former partner Tasa.”

She remarked though that he did need to be left alone when he was eating. “He didn’t want anyone near him then.”

Although there will now be a waiting period before Nestor is introduced to the other lioness, the breeding programme is expected to continue.

Photo: Nestor and a lioness in the enclosure ©Bellewaerde Park Facebook page