Kaiser Chiefs frontman and renowned coach on BBC TVs The Voice, Ricky Wilson, is set to formally welcome lion’s Kumba and Vigo into their new home at the Isle of Wight Zoo next month.
The 2 rescued lion brothers recently moved into their new accommodation which comes complete with a heated sleeping area and specially reinforced full-height windows which allow the public incredibly privileged, face to face encounters with the king-sized duo. Now they are settled, the Wildheart Trust feels that the time is right for a housewarming celebration.
Vigo and Kumba were brought to the zoo last year in partnership with Spanish rescue organisation AAP, after being saved from a Spanish circus where they spent most of their lives cooped up together in a lorry trailer. When they were young, they were neutered, beaten, and their claws cruelly and painfully removed.
Since the boys’ arrival, The Wildheart Trust – which operates the Zoo – has been working on fundraising and sponsorship to develop the new supersized accommodation specially to accommodate the lions’ extraordinary size because although the early neutering prevented the growth of manes it did not limit the pair’s physical size.
Construction company Willmott Dixon generously donated their skills and labour for the design and build of the new house which has significantly reduced the cost of the project for the zoo
Veronica Crisp, Chief Executive of The Wildheart Trust, says:
“Ricky Wilson is a keen animal lover and has been following the lions’ story since their arrival here at The Zoo. We were surprised and delighted when he made contact saying that he was desperately keen to help. It didn’t take long before we settled on him being the perfect host for the long anticipated, house-warming celebrations.”
Ricky has already taken to social media to promote his forthcoming visit to the Island on 4th April 2020. He is very much looking forward to meeting the brothers as well as all the other animals that live at the Zoo.
On the day of his visit, Ricky has generously agreed to share a meerkat experience with a lucky prize-winner and a guest. To enter, just visit the Isle of Wight Zoo between now and 2nd April to be entered into a free prize draw. The winner of this exclusive experience will be announced at the close of business on 2nd April.
Will he be trolled by vegan vampires