Layla
We are devastated to announce the loss of our 18-year-old Barbary lioness, Layla.
Layla was a much-loved character on the carnivore section at Howletts and was well-known to many of our supporters.
Following a period of declining health, she had recently been receiving intensive veterinary treatment from our dedicated team, but had sadly shown no signs of improvement. Mindful of her quality of life and wellbeing, our vets and keepers felt it was the right time to put her gently to sleep to ensure she did not suffer.
Layla was born at our sister site, Port Lympne, in 2003, and came to Howletts with half-brother Jabir in 2012.
Easily recognisable from her very stern facial expression, she was known for being a rather headstrong lady, who could often be seen basking in the sun on her viewing ramp with her tongue sticking out.
When no-one was watching, she was a big kid at heart, who loved to play with her custom-made tyre-ball – and was very protective of it, dragging it into her bedroom at night.
Her passing is a huge loss to the park and we will miss her immensely.
Layla: 11/09/2003 - 25/10/2021
