Farm and wildlife park welcomes new lions and tiger

Asiatic lion Kamal previously helped breed three female cubs

An award-winning wildlife park in Suffolk is now home to three big cats after they were successfully transferred from a theme park and zoo.

Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, near Ipswich, has welcomed Asiatic lions, Kamal and Rani, and Amur tiger, Kalinka, from Chessington World of Adventures Resort.

They will be based at a new "expansive and enriching" reserve at the site, in Wherstead, where they will be able to explore, rest and play.

Jimmy Doherty, CEO and founder of Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, said he was "thrilled" to welcome the new arrivals, and they were "settling in brilliantly".

"Their presence will help us inspire visitors to care about endangered species while supporting vital global conservation work," he said.

Jimmy Doherty, who runs the farm, is delighted with his new animal additions

Lions Kamal, 15, and Rani, 13, first arrived at Chessington as part of a European breeding programme, before mating and breeding three female cubs.

Tiger Kalinka, meanwhile, who is 15 years old, was born in Sweden's Kolmarden Wildlife Park in 2010 before being transported to the UK.

For the last four years, they have been cared for by carnivore keeper, Adam Brunning, who moved with them to Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park.

"It's been a real privilege being part of the Chessington team caring for Kamal, Rani and Kalinka over the years," said Mr Brunning.

"We have a strong bond and I'm pleased to be continuing my relationship with them and continue to provide them the high standard of care they have been used to."

Amur tiger Kalinka has made the move from Chessington World of Adventures Resort alongside lions Kamal and Rani

The decision to relocate the endangered species came from their evolving needs for more space, and Jimmy's Farm has the largest Asiatic lion reserve in the UK.

Stevie Sheppard, park director at Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, said taking on the lions and tiger was "a real milestone" for the site.

"Our focus has always been on giving these magnificent animals the very best home possible, where their needs come first and where visitors can be inspired by their story for years to come," he said.

'Amazing animals'

According to the Zoological Society of London, as few as 265 to 486 Amur tigers and 500 Asiatic lions remain in the Russian Far East and Western India, respectively.

Adam Douglass, manager at Chessington Zoo, said: "Kamal, Rani, and Kalinka had been 'incredible ambassadors' for their endangered subspecies.

"Although the decision to move these beloved big cats has been a difficult one, it has been made with the animals' best interests and evolving needs at heart.

"We'd like to thank our team for their dedication, caring for these amazing animals over the years."