Leo on a crisp winter’s morning at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. After one of the coldest nights of the year – Johannesburg has snow for the first time in a decade – Leo seemed none the worse for wear as he strolled out into Abbey Habitat. The 20-year old lion was rescued by ADI from a circus in Peru in 2014.

Under ADIWS winter protocols, as a senior lion, Leo is brought into his 4,500sqft feeding camp at dusk and let out again after sunrise. This ensures that elderly or arthritic animals sleep in the warmest possible place, either a brick house or in the platform den which is heavily insulated with bales of hay. Leo generally prefers the den but has the good sense to head deep into his house when it gets very cold.

To adopt Leo and help support his care: Adopt UK £ | Adopt US $