Beloved rare Asiatic lion dies of old age at Chester Zoo

One of the UK's biggest zoos has suffered tragedy this week after a rare lion beloved by visitors for his 'loud, booming' calls died of old age. Asiatic lion Iblis had outlived the usual lifespan of a creature of his kind when he was found deceased aged 18 at Chester Zoo, staff said. He was described as capturing 'the heart of millions with his regal, majestic presence' during his 15 years living at the zoo. In the years before his death Iblis was featured in a Channel 4 documentary following Chester Zoo's animals named The Secret Life Of The Zoo.