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!!!!!
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
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
Lions are truly magnificent animals. I'm sure she'll be missed by her king. xoxo Donna
November 23, 2012 at 9:58 AM
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.
[Image]
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.
[Image]
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.
[Image]
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.
26 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formOh my goodness. Such beauty. Thanks for posting this. :)
November 17, 2012 at 7:57 AM
Sorry to hear about Celesto, she will be missed. Wonderful shots of the lions.
November 17, 2012 at 7:59 AM
A very beautiful tribute to a very beautiful girl. :-)
November 17, 2012 at 8:18 AM
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.
November 17, 2012 at 8:56 AM
Celesto -- what a beautiful name for a lioness! Dare I say, "heavenly"?
November 17, 2012 at 9:09 AM
Lovely pictures - who says animals can't display emotion? Those two do.
November 17, 2012 at 9:15 AM
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
November 17, 2012 at 9:32 AM
Lovely post. Rest well, Celesto!
P.S. Your header is great.
November 17, 2012 at 9:35 AM
What a lovely shot. So sorry to hear about her.
November 17, 2012 at 9:43 AM
Sad to hear of Celesto's passing. You took some wonderful photos of her.
November 17, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Very beautiful wow!
November 17, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Beautiful photos of beautiful creatures!~
November 17, 2012 at 11:04 AM
such a beauty.
November 17, 2012 at 11:16 AM
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.
November 17, 2012 at 11:51 AM
Beautiful photos! I know he will miss her.
November 17, 2012 at 1:06 PM
Phenomenal creatures - beautiful.
November 17, 2012 at 2:42 PM
What a beautiful girl! So sad that she's gone.
November 17, 2012 at 3:45 PM
What majestic animals! I'm glad Jonathan has girls to keep him company and help rule his kingdom.
November 17, 2012 at 4:55 PM
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
November 17, 2012 at 5:13 PM
Sad to see such a beautiful creature as Celesto pass away. you have done a wonderful tribute to her.
November 17, 2012 at 8:05 PM
tolle Momente von den Löwen :D
LG vom katerchen
November 18, 2012 at 1:33 AM
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
November 18, 2012 at 1:56 AM
she was magnificent
thank you for letting us know about her
November 18, 2012 at 6:40 AM
They are all gorgeous.
November 18, 2012 at 9:23 PM
Great pictures - beautiful beasts!
November 19, 2012 at 8:32 PM
Lions are truly magnificent animals. I'm sure she'll be missed by her king.
xoxo
Donna
November 23, 2012 at 9:58 AM