In May, our rescue of the Kuwait 6 lions shone a spotlight on the illegal wildlife trade and ‘trophy pets’, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy an update on their progress.
We were asked to help six young lions dumped in the streets of Kuwait or the surrounding desert. Shujaa, Saham, Muheeb, Aziza, Dhubiya and Saif were purchased illegally as cubs, status symbols to be discarded when they became too large and expensive to feed.
Our first challenge was how to get them to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa, but getting a flight would be a challenge. Luckily, Qatar Airways diverted a cargo flight to Kuwait as part of their WeQare charity scheme, so we could bring them home.
At ADIWS the youngsters have been enjoying the introduction to their natural world. Larger boys Shujaa and Saham moved into the 4-acre Abbey Habitat with neighbours Rolex, Kiara and Africa across the road on one side, and Tanya and Tarzan across the road on the other side.
Our introduction habitats, Keith’s Happiness (sponsored by Keith Holmes) and KAKATO Home Sweet Home (sponsored by Dr April Fong), became home to Muheeb, Aziza, Dhubiya and Saif.
We hope that Aziza and Muheeb will become friends in Keith’s Happiness Habitat (where Ruben had enjoyed his freedom, and first toys), and we know Dhubiya and Saif are already friendly and enjoying KAKATO Home Sweet Home.
Saham was nervous on arrival but is now very confident as he marches along, patrolling the fence with Shujaa. They are still growing, and look set to be huge lions. Dhubiya and Saif are as lively and playful as we expected – absolutely loving their catnip toys and giant balls. The greatest transformation has been dainty Aziza, the little lioness whose delicate features resemble those of a mountain lion. In Kuwait she was afraid, pacing, desperate to escape. We could not get close and she once even ran up the wall, before dropping down from the ceiling!
Aziza has grown in confidence, plays a very fast game with the ball and approaches the fence with Dhubiya on one side and with Muheeb on the other side. Most exciting is that little Aziza seems to be striking up a friendship with Muheeb, she is communicating with him, and sitting close. He is doing the same. Muheeb has the same gentle nature as our beloved Ruben, thoughtful, calm, observant.
What next for the Kuwait 6?
Shujaa and Saham are very settled. Our challenge now, is to meet the social needs of Dhubiya, Saif, Aziza, and Muheeb, as either a single pride, or two pairs.
Veterinarian, Dr Peter Caldwell has spayed Aziza and Dhubiya today, as they were reaching the age where they would be ready to breed. It is important that they don’t breed, as any cubs would not be suitable for return to the wild but importantly, to prevent the risk of pyometra and some cancers in later life.
Once the lionesses have recovered, the introduction process can begin. We have modified the habitats with extra drop gates and smaller sections inside the enclosures, so the whole group can be rotated through the habitats (which cover 2.5 acres), to get used to each other. They can sit close to each other but with a protective fence in between, get used to each other’s scent, reduce the territorial feelings about particular spaces and we can watch to see how they like each other. Then we will try play dates with two lions at a time. Once they are fully settled with their chosen companions, they will be moved to their permanent habitats.
This will take some time and we cannot guarantee success. What we do know is that they have a beautiful home in their African homeland and could be in ADI care for 20 years. That is why we need your support to meet their needs for decades to come.
Please consider a donation as we enter the next chapter of their lives.
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 