PAW Print Achilles

Achilles

Born: 3 August 2009

Achilles was known as our gentle giant because of his huge size and his soft heart. This beautiful mane-less male lion carried a quiet kind of magic about him, the kind that did not need to roar to be felt.

After 13 months of age, one of his testicles had still not descended and, according to the vet, this could have become cancerous. For this reason, Achilles was castrated for his long-term health and wellbeing.

As Achilles was living together with Jubatus, a unique lion known as a “split lion” carrying both brown and white lion genetics, we were advised by the vets to castrate Jubatus as well to avoid potential dominance issues.

Due to the lack of testosterone, neither of them grew a mane. However, Achilles and Jubatus were still two of the most handsome male lions and their beauty never needed a mane to be seen.

Achilles reminded us that some of the most powerful souls were also the gentlest. His magic lay in his softness, his presence and the way he showed us that true strength could have a very tender heart.