It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Moto, the beloved male lion on Monday 15th July 2024 who called Hertfordshire Zoo his home since 2011 .
Born at West Midlands Safari Park, Moto arrived at Hertfordshire Zoo aged 4, in 2011 and became a cherished king of the animal family, leaving an incredible mark on all who had the privilege of encountering him. After battling age related health issues, the veterinary and staff teams made the difficult decision to put Moto peacefully to sleep aged 17.
Moto was the largest of all the cats at Hertfordshire Zoo. His striking appearance, characterised by a magnificent mane and noble stance, captivated the hearts of visitors, making him a standout favourite. More than just a beautiful animal, Moto had a distinctive roar that could be heard around the zoo and the surrounding areas. He leaves behind two lionesses called Izulu and his daughter Zuri, who he was a great fatherly figure to over the years. Our team will continue to monitor them both over the coming weeks.
Moto’s days were filled with patrolling his habitat and occasionally asserting his dominance among the lionesses, always ensuring harmony within his group. He revelled in the joy of rolling in fresh scents, with his favourite being peppermint. His playful spirit also came alive with his fondness for tearing up cardboard boxes and engaging with giant boomer balls, enrichment that stimulated his predatory instincts.
In the wild, lions, including the rarer white lions like Moto, face numerous challenges. The IUCN Red List categorises lions as Vulnerable, underlining the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats in the wild.
Moto’s legacy at Hertfordshire Zoo is not just one of majesty and strength, but also inspiring millions of people to love wildlife. Moto will be profoundly missed by all at Hertfordshire Zoo and by everyone fortunate enough to have witnessed his remarkable character.
Moto’s incredible roar will be heard forever.
