Rare stork killed by lion at Pairi Daiza animal park during weekend storm

One unfortunate consequence of the gale-force winds that swept across Belgium over the weekend was the fate of a rare black-billed stork at Pairi Daiza in Brugelette.

During Saturday’s stormy weather, a tree fell onto the endangered bird’s aviary, allowing it to escape, reported Het Laatste Nieuws.

Sadly, the stork’s bid for freedom proved to be brief as it landed in the lion enclosure. Needless to say, one of the feline predators’ hunting instincts proved to be intact as she quickly killed and devoured the bird.

Images of Kira the lioness devouring her prey soon appeared on Facebook, the animal clearly relishing her unexpected meal.

It was a lamentable if uncommon event for the zoo as the black-billed stork is an endangered animal. Originating from China, but also found in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, it has suffered from deforestation and the drying up of marshy areas where it traditionally lives.

Photo: Lioness at Pairi Daiza animal park