Muheeb has arrived back at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary after his stay in the Old Chapel Veterinary Hospital where he was diagnosed with cancer. We unloaded him, pleased to see him home, but with heavy hearts – and then as we opened his crate, something wonderful happened.

Muheeb was rescued from the illegal Trophy Pet trade in Kuwait and brought to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in May last year. This week the 5-year-old lion was diagnosed with diffused intestinal lymphoma, and surgery is not possible due to its spread. There is no cure. While we are shattered by this news, we will respond as anyone would for a loved one, with such a diagnosis. We will do everything we can to give him his best possible life for as long as is possible – he is currently not in pain. He will have all the toys and treats he wants, the company of his Kuwait family next door and can join in the daily roars of the ADIWS residents. We think you’ll agree he liked the new hanging robust-a-ball for his homecoming, showing he is not ready to give up, and seizing life with both paws!

Our thanks for the incredible outpouring of love for this young lion. It feels incredibly sad that he only began his new life in Africa 8 months ago. However, we will give him extra care, and tonight he will be roaring again with his fellow lions.

You may see that Muheeb has scrapes on his head from being too eager to grab his food in hospital and slipping in the crate on the journey. Such injuries are rare when ADI moves animals (we work on crate training and take precautions) but they can still occur, especially if an animal is agitated, excited and keeps standing up while on a moving vehicle. Fortunately, the injuries are superficial, will heal and as you see in the video, do not appear to be troubling Muheeb.

If you would like to contribute to Muheeb’s veterinary care and for extra treats and toys:

S $: https://donate.adiusa.org/sanctuary/ | UK £: https://donate.ad-international.org/sanctuary/