It might just be the best sight of the week. Shujaa, one of the six lions rescued from Kuwait’s illegal wildlife trade who arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday night, tackles a Kunduchi catnip punchbag. The lion, who was rescued after being left in the streets of Kuwait City, stepped out of his house cautiously. We wonder what he and his brother, Saham, were thinking as they looked out onto their native homeland of Africa. One thing certainly caught Shujaa’s eye and it was the catnip bag. He battled it for a while before he finally tore it down and carried it proudly into his house to destroy!

Huge thanks to Kunduchi Pet Products for donating these huge cat toys which have been hugely appreciated by Shujaa, Saham, Dhubiya, Saif, Muheeb and Aziza.

Special thanks to the ADI supporters who made this rescue and care for the lions possible; the Kuwait Zoo and officials for providing a safe haven; Leila & Bridges From Kuwait; Qatar Airways who got us home; Gas Boys of Virginia for the truck; and very special thanks to Dr Peter Caldwell and Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic, who went above and beyond.

WE WILL BE LIVE ON FACEBOOK FROM THE SANCTUARY TO CHECK IN ON THE KUWAIT LIONS ON SUNDAY, MAY 26. 4pm South Africa, 3pm UK, 10am EST, 7am PST.

To adopt Shujaa and help provide his ongoing care: UK store | US store

Click here to donate towards Shujaa and the other Kuwait 6 lions’ care.