A fond farewell and a new adventure for our beloved big cats

As we look to the future we share some very special news: three of Chessington Zoo’s much-loved residents have embarked on a new adventure in Suffolk.

Kamal and Rani, our majestic Asiatic lions, and Kalinka, our beautiful Amur tiger, have safely moved to their new home at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park.

We’ve cared for these incredible animals for many years and during their time with us they’ve inspired millions of visitors to learn more about their endangered sub-species and the importance of wildlife conservation.

Rani and Kamal came to us as part of the European breeding programme - Rani joining us in 2014 and Kamal following two years later. They bred successfully and introduced three cubs in 2016 who subsequently moved to another zoo. Kalinka arrived from Sweden’s Kolmården Wildlife Park in 2018, joining us in the Land of the Tiger. Throughout the years Kamal, Rani and Kalika have become firm favourites with both our guests and keepers alike and cherished members of our animal family.

As part of our continuous commitment to ensuring the very best for our animals our zoo team have reviewed the evolving needs of each cat and concluded that they would benefit from a new setting with more space. Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is perfectly suited to them with its rural setting and expansive reserve.

The move itself was a combined effort. Our Chessington keepers have worked hand-in-hand with Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park to ensure every detail was covered, from safe, comfortable transport to helping Kamal, Rani and Kalinka settle into their new surroundings. We’re delighted to report that they’ve been exploring, resting, and playing in their new home already.

While we will miss seeing them every day, we know this is the right step for their future. They will continue to be ambassadors of their sub-species and we are deeply grateful for the time we’ve shared with them here at Chessington, and equally excited for the next chapter of their lives in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.

To our guests, thank you for loving Kamal, Rani, and Kalinka as much as we do. Your visits, photos, and stories have been part of their legacy. Now, that legacy continues at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, where they will keep inspiring people to care for wildlife, just as they did here.

Here’s to new beginnings, treasured memories, and the enduring magic of these extraordinary big cats.